Here’s how The Killing of a Sacred Deer ends — major spoilers ahead:
Ending Recap
- Steven Murphy is forced by Martin to choose one family member (his wife Anna, daughter Kim, or son Bob) to kill; otherwise, all will succumb to a strange, escalating illness. The illness involves paralysis, inability to eat, and bleeding from the eyes. - As Steven vacillates, the symptoms worsen. Bob begins bleeding from his eyes, indicating that death is imminent unless one of them is sacrificed. - In the climactic scene, Steven binds Anna, Kim, and Bob (covers their heads, restrains them), then covers his own eyes with a hat, spins around with a rifle, and fires. The first shot misses Kim, the second misses Anna, and the third kills Bob. - Some time later, the surviving family (Anna and Kim) are in the diner where Martin and Steven used to meet. Martin watches them. They leave without acknowledging him; Steven avoids Martin’s gaze; Anna shoots Martin an icy glare; Kim glances at him once before leaving.
Interpretation Highlights
- The structure mirrors a Greek tragedy, especially Iphigenia in Aulis, where Agamemnon must sacrifice a family member to appease a higher power. Steven’s choice and Martin’s demand reflect guilt, responsibility, and predestined justice. - Steven’s moral flaw is his inability to make decisive sacrifices or accept responsibility. That paralysis of will becomes literal and metaphorical in the illness. - The randomness of the shooting suggests that even when forced to act, Steven cannot truly choose; he leaves it to chance.
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