“The Killing of a Sacred Deer” is a film that defies convention. 

Director Yorgos Lanthimos’s follow-up to “The Lobster” is a Greek tragedy that refuses to be pinned down to a specific genre. It’s a psychological horror film with many twists and turns, a dark and twisted ride that is absolutely fascinating.

“Sacred Deer” stars Colin Farrell as Steven, a successful surgeon and family man who befriends the son of a former patient named Martin (Barry Keoghan).

Martin is still distraught after his father died during surgery and is intent on revenge – ultimately revealing the motives for his friendship with Steven that takes on tragic results that stretch to the surgeon’s immediate family, his wife Anna (Nicole Kidman) and two children (Raffey Cassidy and Sunny Suljic).

Lanthimos, who co-wrote the film with Efthymis Filippou, has created a film that relies on uncomfortable tension throughout – with the tension building to an explosive finale. “Sacred Deer” is deeply disturbing, but also darkly comic in spots as the actors deliver their lines in such a mundane matter.

Make no mistake that doesn’t mean the film lacks emotion. “Deer” is a powder keg of emotion swirling around characters that appear to be in the eye of the craziness. Farrell and Kidman both bring interesting depth to their characters, but it is Keoghan – last seen in “Dunkirk” – who really shines. He brings an edginess to his psychotic character that really makes “Sacred Deer” tick.

“Deer” may not have the complete arch of “The Lobster,” but it is still pretty close. It’s definitely one of the most interesting experiences currently in theaters.

Starring: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman

Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos

Rating: R for disturbing violent and sexual content, some graphic nudity and language

Playing at: Belcourt Theater in Nashville (Opens Friday)

Grade: B