Killers of the Flower Moon review by Bobby Blakey
There is no question that Martin Scorsese is one of the most iconic directors of all time. His films such as Shutter Island, Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed and The Wolf of Wall Street with star Leonardo DiCaprio are just a fraction of his impressive filmography but stand the test of time. Now they are teaming up once again for Killers of the Flower Moon co-starring Lily Gladstone, Robert DeNiro, and Jesse Plemons from a screenplay by Eric Roth and Scorsese, based on David Grann’s best-selling book. Could this film capture the true essence of what happened with these murders or will it fail to strike oil?
Killers of the Flower Moon follows the turn of the 20th century where oil brought a fortune to the Osage Nation, who became some of the richest people in the world overnight. The wealth of these Native Americans immediately attracted white interlopers, who manipulated, extorted, and stole as much Osage money as they could before resorting to murder. Based on a true story and told through the improbable romance of Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle.
Anytime you pair the greatness of Scorsese and DiCaprio together then I am all in. I have been eager to see this film since it was first announced and after hearing all the hype it further fueled my want to finally see it. Now that it is streaming digitally before it eventually hits Apple TV, I have gotten to witness the epic as it were and must say it lives up to everything said about it. This is a powerful film that entertains in its pure form of acting and filmmaking but will make you mad about its message and the history of it all.
I know there have been mixed thoughts on its handling of the Osage people and native Americans in general, but I found that it was clearly more sympathetic to them and the entire point of the film. Of course, its primary focus is on that of the white man, notably DiCaprio and DeNiro, but that is
kind of the point. It’s shining a spotlight on their cruelty and blatant abuse of these people. The story is truly heartbreaking and sadly all to relevant still today. Of course, the times have changed and there are way more rights and lands given back, but there is still so much hate and oppression that this film still hits that spot it shouldn’t need to.
It is no surprise that DiCaprio once again is fantastic here as he brings a subtle depth to this simple man that often infuriated me in his pure stupidity of actions as well as questioning how much was fear and how much was greed on his part as well. I believe he didn’t always have bad intentions but failed to have much backbone or brain power to do much until too late. DeNiro also brought is A game once again with a very different kind of evil persona. He is likable at times, but strictly in his conniving and fake way. You know from the first time he opens his mouth that he can’t be trusted, and no matter how loved he seems and nice things he does for others that there is a darkness there that will do whatever it takes for the greed and control he has and plans to keep.
On the other side of it all is the great cast of native Americans who are all so good with Lily Gladstone leading the charge. She is so good here, bringing a strong voice to her people while still showing signs of vulnerability with her love of both her nation and husband no matter how many things and times he does something wrong. She is the shining light of this film and the reason it all stays balanced despite it being so heavy throughout.
I love this movie in its execution and brilliant performances across the board but hated it in its truth and disgusting history it must showcase. I know there were a lot of issues with its long run time, but it never felt long or dragged to me. I was engaged from beginning to end and left with so many emotions thanks to its powerful execution.
Check out Killers of the Flower Moon in theaters and now on digital to rent and own with it hitting Apple TV+ in the coming months from Apple Original Films.