Review of The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) by Robert B — 16 Apr 2018

Yorgos Lanthimos leads the pack in the gang of "is this a horror film or not? if it isn't, then why am I so scared right now?" kind of films. The main cast all read their lines as if they are all on drugs and are literally talking without really thinking, bolstering the lurid dream-like feeling that the story demonstrates in the audience's perception of what is really going on in the story.

It's unforgiving in its efforts to be confusing and relents from explaining anything that is really going on in the dark story, leaving you to determine which characters have their morals and motives in the right place and which ones don't, or leaves you to ask the question, is anyone really capable of honesty and morality? Everyone involved gives stunning performances, but an ovation has to be dedicated to Barry Keoghan's haunting portrayal of the insidious Martin who exults an aura of agitated intensity throughout and never drops the ball on the tension.

The score is also fantastic as was also the case for Lanthimos' The Lobster - where the score glides fluently with the camera in every angle and frame.