I watched Killers of the Flower Moon and I loved it! 5/5
–
Killers of the Flower Moon is a haunting, masterfully crafted epic from director Martin Scorsese, who takes on one of America’s darkest chapters with unflinching vision and emotional depth. Adapted from David Grann’s non-fiction book, the film dives into the brutal murders of Osage Nation members in 1920s Oklahoma, exploring how a community’s oil wealth attracted greed, corruption, and violence. It’s a story both devastating and timely, and Scorsese’s meticulous storytelling makes it one of the most powerful films of his career.
The film centers on Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), a World War I veteran who returns to Osage territory to work for his wealthy uncle, William Hale (Robert De Niro). Under Hale’s charming facade lies a ruthless ambition, and he manipulates Ernest into marrying Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), a member of the Osage Nation, as part of a scheme to gain control of her family’s oil-rich land. DiCaprio delivers one of his most complex performances as Ernest, a man caught between loyalty, greed, and a fractured conscience. His portrayal is unsettling and layered, capturing the internal conflict of a man who becomes both a pawn and a participant in Hale’s sinister plans.
Lily Gladstone’s performance as Mollie is the film’s emotional anchor. Her portrayal is quiet yet profoundly moving, embodying the pain, strength, and dignity of a woman who realizes too late the betrayal happening around her. Gladstone’s work here is subtle but devastating, bringing warmth and gravity to a character whose life has been ravaged by those closest to her. De Niro, meanwhile, is chilling as Hale, exuding a calm, paternal demeanor that makes his sinister actions all the more horrifying. He’s not just a villain; he’s a representation of unchecked power and corruption, and De Niro plays him with a restraint that feels disturbingly real.
Scorsese’s direction is nothing short of masterful. At 80, he’s still pushing the boundaries of his craft, and Killers of the Flower Moon showcases his ability to create immersive, emotionally charged cinema. The pacing is deliberate, allowing each scene to breathe and each character’s motivations to unfold naturally. The brutality of the Osage murders is not sensationalized but presented with raw honesty, forcing us to confront the horrific consequences of greed and racism. Scorsese makes sure the viewer feels the weight of these atrocities, treating the story with reverence and respect for its historical significance.
The film’s visuals are stunning, with cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto capturing the stark beauty of the Oklahoma landscape. The juxtaposition of the vast, open plains with the closed, oppressive lives of the Osage people is striking, reinforcing the themes of isolation and betrayal. Prieto’s use of light and shadow creates a haunting atmosphere that amplifies the tension, and the period detail immerses us completely in the 1920s setting. Every frame feels carefully crafted, as if it’s part of a larger tapestry that pays homage to the Osage Nation’s history and culture.
The film’s script, co-written by Scorsese and Eric Roth, is as sharp as it is sensitive. It balances historical detail with character-driven drama, focusing not just on the crimes but on the Osage people’s resilience and fight for justice. Rather than turning this story into a conventional murder mystery, the film digs into the deeper layers of systemic racism, moral decay, and exploitation. The dialogue is purposeful, revealing the characters’ intentions while probing the motivations that drive men like Hale to commit unspeakable acts. Scorsese’s choice to center the narrative on the relationships between Ernest, Mollie, and Hale adds a profoundly intimate angle, making the betrayals feel personal and heartbreaking.
The score by Robbie Robertson is another standout, blending elements of indigenous music with suspenseful orchestration that enhances the emotional impact without overshadowing the story. The music is subtle but effective, adding to the film’s haunting atmosphere.
Killers of the Flower Moon isn’t just a film; it’s a confrontation with a past that America often overlooks. Scorsese presents this history not as a relic but as a mirror, asking audiences to reflect on the forces of greed and prejudice that are still deeply embedded in society today. It’s an epic that doesn’t just tell a story but holds up a lens to the dark undercurrents of American history, and the result is a film that is as unsettling as it is unforgettable.
In the end, Killers of the Flower Moon is a landmark achievement for Scorsese, De Niro, DiCaprio, and especially Lily Gladstone, who brings soul to a story that could easily have felt too bleak. It’s a story of injustice, love, and betrayal, brought to life with meticulous care and emotional weight. This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, not just as a cinematic experience but as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.