The Killing of a Sacred Deer: A Twisted Triptych from Yorgos Lanthimos

Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his unsettling and darkly humorous films like ‘The Favourite’ and ‘The Lobster’, returns to his roots with ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’. This strange anthology triptych, co-written with his longtime collaborator Efthimis Filippou, delves into the darkest corners of human nature, exploring themes of control, free will, and the limits of love in a surreal and unsettling manner.

The film tells three distinct stories, each featuring the same ensemble cast in different roles. The first segment, ‘THE DEATH OF R.M.F’, follows Robert (Jessie Plemons), a submissive office worker whose life is meticulously controlled by his domineering boss Raymond (Willem Dafoe). Everything from his attire to his relationships is dictated by Raymond, leaving Robert trapped in a suffocating routine. When Robert refuses to comply with one of Raymond’s more outlandish demands, he finds himself cast out and forced to make his own choices. This newfound freedom leads him to Rita (Emma Stone), a mysterious woman who might be even more willing to succumb to Raymond’s dark desires.

The second segment, ‘R.M.F IS FLYING’, shifts focus to Daniel (Plemons), a police officer grappling with the disappearance of his wife Liz (Stone) during a scientific expedition. Grief-stricken and exhibiting increasingly bizarre behavior, Daniel is tormented by the possibility that the woman who returns from the shipwreck isn’t his Liz but a doppelganger, creating a paranoid descent into madness. The segment evokes the enigmatic atmosphere of shows like ‘Lost’, but filtered through Lanthimos’ unique lens of unsettling realism.

The final story, ‘R.M.F EATS A SANDWICH’, centers on Emily (Stone), who has abandoned her family and life to join a kinky cult led by Omi (Dafoe) and Aka (Hong Chau). Tasked with locating a mythical messiah figure, Emily and Andrew (Plemons) find themselves entangled in a dangerous search for resurrection and a promise of a new world.

Each chapter shares a mysterious figure, R.M.F. (Yorgos Stefanakos), who acts as a recurring element, adding an intriguing layer to the film’s interconnected narratives. While ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ may not provide easy answers or a cohesive overarching storyline, it offers a rich tapestry of disturbing and hilarious vignettes that encourage viewers to contemplate the complex nature of human relationships and the choices we make in the face of control and freedom.

The performances are uniformly excellent, with Jessie Plemons delivering a standout performance, showcasing a remarkable range of emotions and embodying both vulnerability and menace. Emma Stone, as always, captivates with her enigmatic presence and delivers a captivating portrayal of a woman caught in the grip of a seductive and dangerous cult. The film’s atmosphere is further amplified by Robbie Ryan’s stunning cinematography, employing a wide-screen format that creates a claustrophobic and intensely intimate feel. Jerkin Fendrix’s foreboding piano score adds a haunting layer to the film’s unsettling tone.

‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ is a daring and unsettling film that may not be for everyone. However, for those willing to embrace its unsettling beauty and dark humor, it offers a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience. It is a film that challenges viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths about human nature and the consequences of our choices, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll.

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