Barry Keoghan And Raffey Cassidy Reveal Their Bizarre Audition For 'The Killing Of A Sacred Deer'

As is the case for most horror films, in The Killing of a Sacred Deer, it’s the kids that are the creepiest characters in it.

Up-and-coming star Barry Keoghan’s performance as a troubled teen who unleashes havoc on the lives of Steven (Colin Farrell), a surgeon, his wife Anna (Nicole Kidman) and their two children is absolutely bone-chilling, especially as things rapidly spiral out of control.

Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos‘ absurd horror has a twisted and amoral heart. Its veins pump out grim black humour as the actors deliver their lines with clinical detachment. It’s a film about revenge, making impossible choices and the burden of guilt that stains everything it seeps into.

Keoghan, 25, who also starred in Dunkirk, revealed that Lanthimos’ audition techniques were rather unusual.

Tomorrowland star Raffey Cassidy plays Steven’s daughter, Kim, who is instantly smitten with Keoghan’s mysterious outsider, Martin, even when his intentions become more sinister.

The 15-year-old actress revealed that the pair learned a lot from watching Farrell and Kidman in action.

‘Colin was always really funny on set and bringing the laughs because it was quite a dark film, so you’ve got to have fun as well. Nicole was really warm and always made you feel really comfortable. Also to watch them work was amazing.’

Watch our full interview with the stars at BFI London Film Festival to find out whether they got any acting tips from the Hollywood heavyweights and what Lanthimos was like as a director.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is released in cinemas on November 3.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.