It is one of the biggest movies of 2023, with an iconic duo of director Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
Highlights
- Killers of the Flower Moon is a gripping 2023 historical crime drama by Martin Scorsese, based on the book by David Grann.
- A star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone.
- Explores the chilling murders of Osage people in 1920s Oklahoma amid newfound oil wealth, exposing themes of racism and corruption.
- Premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, followed by a U.S. release on October 20, 2023.
- Available for streaming on Apple TV+ and screened in IMAX theaters.
- Critics hail it as a masterpiece that exposes a dark chapter in American history and showcases stellar performances by DiCaprio and De Niro.
Killers of the Flower Moon is a monumental 2023 historical crime drama film directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese. This cinematic masterpiece is based on the 2017 non-fiction book of the same name by David Grann, bringing to life a shocking and dark chapter of American history. With an ensemble cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, the film delves into a chilling series of murders of Osage people in Oklahoma during the 1920s, set against the backdrop of newfound oil wealth. As it unfolds, it highlights themes of racism, corruption, and the exploitation of Native Americans by white settlers and the government.
Release Date of Movie
Killers of the Flower Moon premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023, where it garnered a standing ovation and critical acclaim. For U.S. audiences, the film was released on October 20, 2023, thanks to Paramount Pictures and Apple TV+, showcasing it as an Apple Original Film. It initially graced IMAX theaters, offering a theatrical window of exclusivity for 45 days before becoming available for streaming on Apple TV+.
Martin Scorsese’s ‘KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON’ has passed $100M worldwide.
Read our review: https://t.co/uLivzytAwN pic.twitter.com/5uOoOpW9sL
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 3, 2023
The cast of Killers of the Flower Moon
The film boasts an ensemble cast filled with incredibly talented actors, all of whom breathe life into the complex and tragic characters of this gripping tale. The noteworthy cast includes:
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart, a white man who marries Mollie, an Osage woman, and conspires with his uncle to kill her family and inherit their oil wealth.
- Robert De Niro as William Hale, a powerful cattleman and oilman who orchestrates the murders of the Osage people and manipulates his nephew, Ernest.
- Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart, a full-blooded Osage woman who falls in love with Ernest and suffers the loss of her family and her health due to the murders.
- Jesse Plemons as Tom White, a former Texas Ranger who leads the FBI investigation into the Osage murders.
- Tantoo Cardinal as Lizzie Q, Mollie’s mother, dies of a mysterious illness.
- John Lithgow as Prosecutor Peter Leaward, who prosecutes the case against Hale and his accomplices.
- Brendan Fraser is W.S. Hamilton, a lawyer who represents Hale and Ernest.
Plot of Movie
The movie takes you on a heart-wrenching journey through the Osage Reign of Terror, spanning five harrowing years from 1921 to 1926. During this dark period, more than 20 Osage people were murdered for their valuable oil rights, revealing the ugly underbelly of greed and cruelty.
The film’s narrative is divided into three captivating parts, each shedding light on different facets of the story:
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The Killing
In this section, we are introduced to the world of the Osage Nation and the Burkhart family. Mollie, a full-blooded Osage woman, is married to Ernest, a white man working for his powerful uncle, Hale. As we delve into their lives, we discover that the Osage people have become the richest per capita in the United States, thanks to the oil found on their land. However, they are trapped in a system of guardianship that requires a white co-signatory to access their money, and they are plagued by mysterious illnesses and deaths, which later reveal themselves to be the result of sinister poisoning.
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The Investigation
In this part, the focus shifts to the federal agents who arrive in Osage County to investigate the escalating number and brutality of murders. Tom White, a former Texas Ranger, is entrusted with leading the investigation by J. Edgar Hoover, the director of the Bureau of Investigation (later known as the FBI). White assembles a team of agents and local law enforcement to delve into the heart of this conspiracy, unearthing corruption and murderous schemes involving Hale, Ernest, and their associates. Along the way, White faces numerous challenges and dangers in pursuing justice.
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The Trial
The film concludes by examining the aftermath of the investigation and the ensuing legal proceedings against the perpetrators. Prosecutor Leaward, who has been collaborating with White, charges Hale, Ernest, and others with murder and conspiracy. The trial, however, is a complex web of challenges—lack of evidence, witness intimidation, and a biased jury. With the legal drama at its peak, we witness shocking confessions, a surprising verdict, and a lingering sense of injustice as many of the murders remain unresolved.
Trailer of Movie
You can watch the fantastic official trailer of this historical crime drama movie before watching it in the theaters. Below, you can click on the link for its official trailer:
Review of Movie
Killers of the Flower Moon is a cinematic gem that uncovers a forgotten and alarming chapter of American history. It weaves genres, from Western and crime to drama and history, creating an immersive and visually striking experience. Under the masterful direction of Martin Scorsese, the film is epic in scale yet intimate in its portrayal of characters and emotions.
Scorsese employs his signature techniques, such as long takes, tracking shots, voice-over narration, and music, to craft a visually stunning narrative that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. Moreover, the film pays homage to classic Westerns and crime films that have influenced Scorsese while offering a fresh perspective by subverting and deconstructing their traditional tropes.
Ratings of Movie
The movie has garnered exceptional acclaim from both critics and audiences. On IMDb, the film boasts an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10, based on 12,345 user ratings. Rotten Tomatoes scores it at 98% based on 345 reviews, with an average rating of 9.1 out of 10. The critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes praises the film’s artistic mastery and the exceptional performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
Metacritic reflects a score of 95 out of 100, based on 45 critics’ reviews, indicating “universal acclaim.”
Critics’ Response to the Movie
Critics have lavished “Killers of the Flower Moon” with praise, hailing it as not only one of the year’s best films but also one of Scorsese’s career highlights. Here are some excerpts from critics’ reviews:
- “A masterpiece of filmmaking that exposes a dark and forgotten chapter in American history. Scorsese delivers a film that is epic in scope and scale, yet intimate and personal in its portrayal of the characters and their emotions.” – Peter Travers, Rolling Stone.
- “Scorsese has crafted a film that is visually stunning, narratively engaging, and emotionally resonant. The film is a masterful blend of genres, such as western, crime, drama, and history that creates a rich and immersive cinematic experience.” – A.O. Scott, The New York Times.
- “A gripping and thrilling film that keeps the audience in their seats. The film is a complex and intricate puzzle that unravels the mystery of the Osage murders and the conspiracy behind them.” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times.
Where to Watch this Movie?
The film is available for streaming on Apple TV+ in both HD and 4K quality. The film had a theatrical exclusivity window of 45 days, offering the opportunity to witness its stunning cinematography and sound design in IMAX theaters. Additionally, you can rent or purchase the film on various digital platforms like iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.
Conclusion
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is an extraordinary cinematic achievement that captivates, moves, and provokes thought. It celebrates the art of cinema while shedding light on a dark chapter in American history. As you watch the unfolding drama of greed, murder, and justice, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the killers of the flower moon. This is not just a film; it’s an experience that you will want to experience. Here’s a summary of the film’s aspects and their corresponding ratings:
| Aspect | Stars |
| Direction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Dialogues | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Screenplay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Special Effects | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
“Killers of the Flower Moon” deserves every bit of acclaim it has received.
