The film Killers of the Flower Moon has been one of the most anticipated releases of 2023, drawing attention not only for its star-studded cast and legendary director but also for its gripping, true-crime story rooted in a dark chapter of American history. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film is an adaptation of David Grann’s best-selling non-fiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, which chronicles the horrific Osage murders that took place in the early 1920s.
We will examine Killers of the Flower Moon’s plot, performances, historical authenticity, themes, and impact in detail in this review. We can better comprehend the film’s potent social commentary on racism, money, and the corruption of power by examining how it illuminates an important but sometimes disregarded chapter in American history.
The Story Behind Killers of the Flower Moon: An Unsettling Tale of Greed and Injustice
Killers of the Flower Moon takes place in the Osage Nation, a Native American tribe that became incredibly wealthy in the early 20th century due to the discovery of oil beneath their land. As the Osage people profited from their newfound wealth, they were subjected to a horrific wave of murders as white settlers, including businessmen, landowners, and even law enforcement officers, conspired to steal their land and inheritance. The story focuses on the systematic exploitation and murder of the Osage people, driven by greed and a thirst for power.
The main plot centers on Ernest Burkhart (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), a man whose marriage to Mollie Kyle (played by Lily Gladstone) forms a key part of the narrative. Mollie, a member of the Osage tribe, finds herself caught in a deadly scheme where her family members are targeted for their wealth. Ernest is torn between his loyalty to his wife and his connection to his uncle, William Hale (played by Robert De Niro), a powerful local figure involved in the orchestrated murders.
Hale’s manipulation of his nephew and others around him highlights the corrupt and ruthless nature of the plot. The FBI, led by Tom White (played by Jesse Plemons), eventually gets involved in investigating the crimes, marking one of the agency’s first major cases. This powerful story sheds light on the violent racism that fueled the murders and the justice system’s slow response to the plight of Native Americans.
The Performances: A Stellar Cast Bringing a Tragic Story to Life
One of the most notable features of Killers of the Flower Moon is the caliber of its cast. Martin Scorsese’s direction is complemented by stellar performances from its lead actors, each of whom brings depth and nuance to their characters, despite the dark and unsettling material.
Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a complex and haunting portrayal of Ernest Burkhart, a man caught between his family ties and his growing awareness of the atrocities unfolding around him. As Ernest becomes more involved in his uncle’s criminal activities, DiCaprio captures the internal conflict and moral struggle that plague his character. His performance is subtle yet powerful, showing Ernest’s gradual descent into complicity with the crimes being committed against the Osage people.
Ernest is a conflicted character who, despite his growing realization of the injustice, finds himself ensnared in the web of deceit and greed spun by his uncle. DiCaprio’s ability to bring complexity to the character of Ernest, making him both sympathetic and morally ambiguous, is one of the highlights of the film.
Robert De Niro as William Hale
As William Hale, the manipulative and cunning figure behind the Osage murders, Robert De Niro offers one of his most chilling performances in recent years. Hale is portrayed as a man who uses charm and authority to manipulate others into doing his bidding, all while hiding his true intentions behind a facade of goodwill. De Niro’s portrayal of Hale is both chilling and mesmerizing, as the character navigates the fine line between likability and evil.
Hale’s power in the community is unmatched, and De Niro captures this influence perfectly, playing a man who is both a father figure to Ernest and a ruthless mastermind orchestrating murders for financial gain. His performance is a masterclass in subtlety, with every interaction tinged with a sense of menace.
Lily Gladstone as Mollie Kyle
In a breakthrough role, Lily Gladstone delivers a standout performance as Mollie Kyle, the Osage woman whose family is targeted in the murders. Gladstone brings incredible depth to Mollie, portraying a woman who is not only loving and devoted to her family but also strong in the face of unimaginable loss. Mollie’s emotional journey is central to the film, and Gladstone’s performance allows the audience to empathize with her plight while also highlighting the strength and resilience of Native American communities.
Mollie’s character represents the humanity at the heart of the story, providing a counterpoint to the cold-hearted, exploitative actions of the men around her. Gladstone’s portrayal is one of the most poignant elements of the film, and her chemistry with DiCaprio adds an emotional layer to the tragic narrative.
Jesse Plemons as Tom White
Jesse Plemons plays Tom White, the FBI agent tasked with investigating the murders. While his role is somewhat more understated compared to the others, Plemons brings a steady sense of determination and professionalism to the film. As the FBI’s involvement in the case grows, White’s character becomes increasingly disillusioned by the systemic racism and corruption within both the legal system and society at large. Plemons plays the role with restraint, allowing the character’s dedication to justice to shine through, even as the case grows more complicated.
Historical Accuracy and the Legacy of the Osage Murders
Killers of the Flower Moon‘s emphasis on the historical veracity of the events it depicts is among its most important features. This film gives the Osage murders the respect they deserve, despite the fact that they are sometimes overlooked in favor of other aspects of American history. The Osage people, who were denied fundamental rights and protections in spite of their enormous riches, were subjected to systemic bigotry and exploitation, which the movie does a fantastic job of highlighting.
A terrible illustration of the extent white settlers were prepared to go to in order to take advantage of and steal from Native Americans was the Osage murders, which involved the deliberate slaughter of Osage citizens in order to seize control of their oil-rich territory. The video does a superb job of depicting this tragedy, highlighting the deliberate nature of the murders and the pervasive racial prejudice that allowed them to go unpunished for years.
The newly established FBI, which was entrusted with looking into the killings, is also highlighted in the movie. This was one of the FBI’s first big cases, and the movie does a fantastic job of illustrating how Tom White and his team had to deal with both the difficulties of finding the truth and the structural barriers erected to shield the criminals.
Despite being a historical drama, Killers of the Flower Moon has themes that are very relevant to today’s problems with racism, corruption, and the exploitation of underprivileged people. In addition to providing a look into the early years of the FBI and its role in exposing corruption, the movie serves as a sobering reminder of the atrocities that Native American people have endured throughout history.
The Cinematography: A Visually Stunning Film
The cinematography of Killers of the Flower Moon is another standout element. Rodrigo Prieto, the film’s director of photography, captures the vastness of the Osage Nation’s landscape and the quiet, unsettling tension that pervades the story. The film’s rural setting, with its wide-open spaces and dusty plains, contrasts sharply with the tension-filled interiors where characters plot and scheme. The cinematography helps to underscore the isolation of the Osage people, highlighting their vulnerability in the face of external threats.
The film’s color palette is muted, with a focus on earthy tones that reflect the dust and decay of the period. The cinematography also serves to capture the emotional weight of the story, with lingering shots that allow the audience to connect with the characters’ internal struggles. The visual storytelling complements the emotional depth of the performances, creating a film that is both visually and emotionally powerful.
Themes of Greed, Racism, and Corruption
At its core, Killers of the Flower Moon is a film about the corrupting influence of greed, racism, and power. The story of the Osage murders is not just a historical crime story but also a powerful social commentary on how systemic oppression and the dehumanization of Native Americans allowed such atrocities to occur. The film explores how the desire for wealth can lead people to commit horrific acts without remorse, while also highlighting the ways in which those in power can manipulate the system to protect their interests.
The film also emphasizes the importance of justice and the role that institutions like the FBI play in holding perpetrators accountable. However, it also reveals the limitations of the justice system when it is not equipped to deal with the pervasive issues of racism and inequality that have plagued American society for centuries.
Conclusion: A Powerful and Unforgettable Film
Killers of the Flower Moon is a powerful and emotionally charged film that tackles an important chapter of American history with depth and sensitivity. The stellar performances, particularly from Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, bring the
complex characters to life, while Martin Scorsese’s direction captures the harrowing nature of the story. The film’s exploration of greed, corruption, and systemic racism is both timely and necessary, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the struggles of Native American communities.