The Killing of a Sacred Deer What Was the Poison Behind the Mysterious Illness?

Yorgos Lanthimos’s 2017 psychological thriller, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, left audiences both captivated and perplexed. One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the mysterious illness that befalls the Murphy family. But, what exactly was the poison that caused this bizarre affliction? 

Let’s dive into this movie’s unsettling world and quench our curiosity. You’ve got questions? We have answers. This blog post will highlight all the elements that make this movie a standout in the psychological horror genre.

The Mysterious Illness

In The Killing of a Sacred Deer, the Murphy family falls victim to a strange, seemingly supernatural illness. The symptoms progress in a chilling sequence: paralysis, inability to eat, and finally, bleeding from the eyes. 

But here’s the kicker – there’s no actual poison involved. The “poison” is metaphorical, stemming from the actions of Martin. He is a teenage boy having an eerie connection with Dr. Steven Murphy’s past.

The story revolves around Steven, played by Colin Farrel, who is a successful surgeon, along with his wife Anna, played by Nicole Kidman. Together, they have two children, Kim and Bob. Their lives are thrown into chaos when Martin, played by Barry Keoghan, enters the picture. He demands a terrible price for a past tragedy.

The Script’s Brilliant Ambiguity

The killing of a sacred deer script masterfully blends reality with the surreal. Lanthimos and co-writer Efthimis Filippou craft dialogues that are intentionally unnatural. This askew nature of dialogue adds to the overall sense of unease. 

It is a unique approach to scripting that creates an atmosphere blurring the line between literal and metaphorical. Hence, viewers are left to question the nature of the “poison” afflicting the family.

The script’s power lies in its ability to create tension through seemingly mundane conversations. Characters speak in an unnaturally formal manner. They discuss life-and-death situations as casually as one discusses trivial matters. This makes the unfolding tragedy all the more unsettling.

Greek Mythology and Modern Horror

The film’s title references the Greek myth of Iphigenia. In this myth, King Agamemnon must sacrifice his daughter after killing one of Artemis’s sacred deer. This connection adds greater depth to the movie’s exploration of guilt and justice. The “poison” in the film can be seen as the curse of karmic justice, demanding payment for past transgressions.

Lanthimos uses this mythological framework to explore modern themes of responsibility and consequence. Steven’s refusal to acknowledge his role in the death of Martin’s father serves as the catalyst for the unfolding tragedy. This mirrors Agamemnon’s pride in the myth.

Movies Like Killing of a Sacred Deer

For those intrigued by the unsettling atmosphere and psychological depth of this film, there are several other movies like Killing of a Sacred Deer that are worth exploring. 

These include The Lobster. Another Lanthimos creation, this dystopian dark comedy shares the director’s signature style of off-beat dialogue and surreal situations. A spiritual successor to Lanthimos’ work, Saltburn explores themes of class, manipulation, and moral ambiguity.

The psychological thriller Mothers’ Instinct delves into the darker side of maternal instincts. It echoes similar family dynamics and tension as found in The Killing of a Sacred Deer.

Dogtooth is an earlier Lanthimos film that showcases his unique style and explores themes of control and isolation. Lastly, “The Witch” shares a sense of creeping dread and familial disintegration.

These movies like The Killing of a Sacred Deer, offer similar psychological depth and unsettling atmospheres. It is perfect for viewers who appreciate thought-provoking and unconventional narratives.

The Power of Suggestion

What makes the “poison” in The Killing of a Sacred Deer so effective is its psychological nature. Martin, played brilliantly by Barry Keoghan, uses the power of suggestion to inflict his revenge. This approach blurs the line between supernatural curse and psychosomatic illness, leaving both the characters and the audience in a state of constant uncertainty.

Keoghan’s portrayal of Martin as an awkward yet menacing presence adds to the film’s unsettling tone. The ambiguity of whether Martin possesses supernatural powers or is simply a master manipulator keeps viewers on edge throughout the film.

Critical Reception and Impact

In conclusion, The Killing of a Sacred Deer presents a “poison” that’s more psychological than physical. It’s a mighty blend of guilt, karmic justice, and the power of suggestion. This ambiguity is what makes the film so compelling and continues to spark discussions among viewers. 

Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or looking for movies like The Killing of a Sacred Deer, this film offers a unique and unsettling experience that lingers for long.

Its exploration of moral dilemmas, family dynamics, and the consequences of our actions makes it a standout in modern cinema. In conclusion, it challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and society.