10 Movies and Shows Like ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (2017)

Description: Like 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer', 'Black Swan' is a psychological thriller that explores themes of control, perfectionism, and bodily horror. Both films use unsettling sound design and cinematography to create a sense of unease.

Fact: Natalie Portman trained in ballet for a year to prepare for the role. The film was shot in just 42 days. Darren Aronofsky originally conceived the project as a companion piece to 'The Wrestler'.

Description: Like 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer', 'Dogtooth' is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and shares his signature surreal, unsettling storytelling style. Both films explore themes of control, power dynamics, and the breakdown of family structures. The clinical, detached tone and disturbing psychological undercurrents are also similar.

Fact: 'Dogtooth' won the Un Certain Regard prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. The film was banned in Iceland for its disturbing content. The actors were instructed to deliver their lines in a deliberately flat, emotionless manner to enhance the unsettling atmosphere.

Description: This film shares the same eerie, atmospheric tone and psychological horror elements as 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer'. Both explore themes of alienation and the monstrous aspects of human nature, with a slow-burning tension that builds to disturbing climaxes.

Fact: Scarlett Johansson wore a wig and prosthetic makeup to appear unrecognizable while filming real interactions with unsuspecting men. The film's score was created by Mica Levi, who also scored 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer'. Many scenes were shot with hidden cameras in public places.

Description: Like 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer', 'Melancholia' deals with impending doom and the psychological unraveling of its characters. Both films use slow pacing and striking visuals to create a sense of dread, exploring how people react to forces beyond their control.

Fact: Lars von Trier wrote the film as a way to cope with his own depression. The opening sequence was shot in extreme slow motion at 1000 frames per second. Kirsten Dunst won Best Actress at Cannes for her performance.

Description: Like 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer', 'The Neon Demon' uses striking visuals and a cold, detached tone to explore disturbing themes. Both films examine beauty and violence through a surreal, nightmarish lens.

Fact: Nicolas Winding Refn is colorblind, which influenced the film's bold color palette. The film's score was composed by Cliff Martinez, who also scored 'Drive'. Keanu Reeves' small role was originally written for a woman.

Description: Another Yorgos Lanthimos film, 'The Lobster' shares the same deadpan humor and absurdist premise as 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer'. Both films examine societal norms through a darkly comedic lens and feature characters navigating bizarre, rigid systems with severe consequences for non-compliance.

Fact: Colin Farrell gained 40 pounds for his role in the film. The film was nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes. The dystopian society's rules were inspired by dating culture and societal pressures to couple up.

Description: Both films are tense psychological dramas set in confined spaces, exploring power dynamics and the breakdown of social norms. They share a similar slow-burning tension and focus on the darker aspects of human nature.

Fact: Sofia Coppola became the second woman to win Best Director at Cannes for this film. The film is a remake of a 1971 Clint Eastwood movie. All the actresses lived together in the plantation house during filming.

Description: Both films are psychological horror stories that deal with family trauma and supernatural forces. They share a similar slow-burn approach to horror, building tension through unsettling imagery and disturbing family dynamics rather than jump scares.

Fact: Toni Collette's scream in the film was so intense it damaged her vocal cords. The miniature models in the film were all created by hand. The film's climax was inspired by a nightmare the director had as a child.

Description: Both films feature psychological breakdowns in isolated settings, with a growing sense of dread and surreal imagery. They share a similar claustrophobic atmosphere and explore themes of power dynamics and madness.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white on 35mm film. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe lived together in a remote cabin during filming. The script was written in an archaic style to match the period dialogue.

Description: Like 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer', 'Midsommar' explores themes of fate, sacrifice, and psychological torment within a seemingly idyllic setting. Both films use bright, clinical cinematography to contrast with their dark subject matter.

Fact: Florence Pugh's crying scenes were so intense they caused nosebleeds. The film was shot in Hungary during an actual heatwave. Director Ari Aster researched real Swedish midsummer traditions for authenticity.