Beautiful and scarily macabre, this film shocks and thrills.
Steven, a charismatic surgeon, is forced to make an unthinkable sacrifice after his life starts to fall apart, when the behavior of a teenage boy he has taken under his wing turns sinister.
Yorgos Lanthimos makes unusual films and this is no different. The mono-toned dialogue of the first half the film is scary, unnerving and almost horrifying. It makes you feel uncomfortable. Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman shine, as does Barry Keoghan, who’s career is clearly on the rise. Visually it’s stunning and the orchestral and choir music underscoring is simply outstanding. The script is one of the most truly unique ideas I’ve ever seen on screen and while disturbing and at times difficult to stomach it certainly makes the viewer feel a whole range of emotions.
Overall an outstanding piece of cinema, but not one for the faint of heart!
4.5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Madman Entertainment