Streaming platforms are treasure troves for discovering hidden gems that reveal new dimensions of familiar stars. Yorgos Lanthimos' 2017 psychological thriller The Killing of a Sacred Deer, now available on HBO Max, is exactly that kind of find. Before Lanthimos became an Oscar regular with The Favourite and Poor Things, he crafted this modern Greek tragedy—his second English-language film after The Lobster. It's a fever dream of moral dilemmas and escalating horror that features one of Colin Farrell's most unsettling performances and introduced the world to Barry Keoghan.
A Revenge Thriller with an Impossible Choice
At its core, The Killing of a Sacred Deer asks: What happens when a man accustomed to total control faces an unthinkable ultimatum? Farrell plays Steven, a heart surgeon whose failure to save a patient's life sets off a chain of events. That patient's son, Martin (Keoghan), insinuates himself into Steven's family, initially appearing as a precocious teenager seeking guidance. But when Steven's attention wanes, Martin reveals a horrifying demand: Steven must kill one of his family members—his wife (Nicole Kidman) or one of his two children—or they will all suffer mysterious, fatal ailments.
Paralyzed by guilt, Steven watches helplessly as Martin's predictions come true, pushing him toward a decision no parent should ever face. Lanthimos masterfully dissects morality, observing his characters with cold detachment as they are driven to extremes. The film's power lies in how it extracts unexpected performances from its cast, turning familiar actors into something entirely new.
Colin Farrell's Coldest Role
Farrell is known for his wit and charm—think of his impatient hitman in In Bruges, the vengeful soul in The Banshees of Inisherin, or the streetwise villain in The Penguin. But in The Killing of a Sacred Deer, he strips all that away. Steven is hollow, calculating, and ruthless. Farrell had worked with Lanthimos before in The Lobster, where his awkward line delivery leaned into surreal humor. Here, that same stiltedness reveals a man devoid of emotion. Steven treats his family like patients on a to-do list, even role-playing sedation in the bedroom. When faced with his own wrongdoing, he reacts passively, as if the horror unfolding is merely hypothetical.
This disconnect between intellect and emotion raises the stakes as the film hurtles toward its nightmarish conclusion. Steven asks his children's school principal which child is "better" to make his choice easier—a moment that chills to the bone. It's a performance where the absence of feeling becomes the most terrifying aspect of the character.
Barry Keoghan's Breakout
Before Saltburn and Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, Barry Keoghan was a relatively unknown actor. The Killing of a Sacred Deer changed that. His Martin is a curious, unguarded teenager who uses his perceived innocence to worm his way into his targets' lives, then reveals a sinister plan with a matter-of-fact delivery that makes your blood run cold. Despite being 17 years Farrell's junior and far less experienced, Keoghan holds his own with the veteran in a way few young actors could. His performance heralded his arrival as a must-watch talent, and he has since become a go-to for scheming roles.
Almost a decade after its release, The Killing of a Sacred Deer remains fresh, intriguing, and unforgettable. For fans of Lanthimos' work, it's a chance to see the director and his stars in a more cerebral, thrilling setting. If you're looking for overlooked R-rated thrillers that deliver nonstop intensity, this is a perfect pick. And for those who appreciate psychological thrillers that nail it from opening frame to final scene, this film is a must-watch. Stream it now on HBO Max and see why it's one of the best thriller TV series and films of the past quarter century.
