The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Dr. Steven Murphy is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon who presides over a spotless household with his wife and two children. Lurking at the margins of his idyllic suburban existence is Martin, a fatherless teen who insinuates himself into the doctor's life in gradually unsettling ways.
Rated R • 2017 • 2h 1m
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a psychological thriller that explores themes of guilt, justice, and existential dread through the lens of a surgeon, Dr. Steven Murphy, whose family is targeted by a vengeful teenager. The film is rated R primarily for its disturbing, clinical depictions of suffering, intense emotional trauma, and surreal violence involving children. Parents should be aware of scenes featuring nudity, sexual situations… Sign up for the full guide
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Is The Killing of a Sacred Deer appropriate for kids?
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a psychological thriller that explores themes of guilt, justice, and existential dread through the lens of a surgeon, Dr. Steven Murphy, whose family is targeted by a vengeful teenager. The film is rated R primarily for its disturbing, clinical… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Killing of a Sacred Deer
What happens in The Killing of a Sacred Deer, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 6/10
- 0:45 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Killing of a Sacred Deer
The film contains moderate sexual content, including implied sexual activity, brief nudity, and scenes of a sexualized nature, such as a character performing a manual sex act in a car and a scene where a character is forced into intimacy under strange circumstances.
Violence and gore in The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Violence is moderate but deeply disturbing, focusing on the psychological and physical suffering of children. Key moments include a graphic, lingering shot of an open-heart surgery, characters suffering from unexplained paralysis and eye bleeding, and a climactic scene involving a rifle.
Language in The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Language is used sporadically throughout the film, including common expletives like 'fuck' and 'shit' used to convey the tension of the characters' deteriorating circumstances.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Substance use is light but impactful to the plot, primarily involving references to the lead character's past alcoholism and social smoking by several members of the cast.
Mature themes in The Killing of a Sacred Deer
The film deals with intense and disturbing themes regarding retributive justice, the weight of professional guilt, and the helplessness of parents in the face of an existential, supernatural threat to their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Killing of a Sacred Deer appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Killing of a Sacred Deer is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a psychological thriller that explores themes of guilt, justice, and existential dread through the lens of a surgeon, Dr. Steven Murphy, whose family is targeted by a vengeful teenager…
What age rating does The Killing of a Sacred Deer have?
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Killing of a Sacred Deer about?
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a psychological thriller that explores themes of guilt, justice, and existential dread through the lens of a surgeon, Dr. Steven Murphy, whose family is targeted by a vengeful teenager. The film is rated R primarily for its disturbing, clinical depictions of suffering, intense emotional…
Is there sex or nudity in The Killing of a Sacred Deer?
The film contains moderate sexual content, including implied sexual activity, brief nudity, and scenes of a sexualized nature, such as a character performing a manual sex act in a car and a scene where a character is forced into intimacy under strange…
How violent is The Killing of a Sacred Deer?
Violence is moderate but deeply disturbing, focusing on the psychological and physical suffering of children. Key moments include a graphic, lingering shot of an open-heart surgery, characters suffering from unexplained paralysis and eye bleeding, and a…
Is the language in The Killing of a Sacred Deer appropriate for kids?
Language is used sporadically throughout the film, including common expletives like 'fuck' and 'shit' used to convey the tension of the characters' deteriorating circumstances.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Killing of a Sacred Deer?
Substance use is light but impactful to the plot, primarily involving references to the lead character's past alcoholism and social smoking by several members of the cast.
What mature themes appear in The Killing of a Sacred Deer?
The film deals with intense and disturbing themes regarding retributive justice, the weight of professional guilt, and the helplessness of parents in the face of an existential, supernatural threat to their children.
How long is The Killing of a Sacred Deer?
The Killing of a Sacred Deer runs 121 minutes, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, released in 2017.
Where can I read the full The Killing of a Sacred Deer parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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