Coming soon to the United States is a thrilling Western crime drama called Killers of the Flower Moon. Martin Scorsese directed and produced the film, which features a star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone. The movie revolves around a string of murders in the Osage Nation during the 1920s following the discovery of oil on tribal land. Scorsese co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Roth, based on the 2017 book of the same name by David Grann. This marks the sixth collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio and the tenth between Scorsese and De Niro. Fans can catch the film on October 6, 2023, exclusively on Apple TV+.
The book Killers of the Flower Moon tells the true story of the Osage “Reign of Terror” in the 1920s, in which numerous Osage tribe members were killed in Oklahoma for their oil wealth. The Osage were among the wealthiest Native American tribes in the United States, and their oil reserves made them a target for unscrupulous individuals.
The movie depicts the inquiry into the killings, spearheaded by J. Edgar Hoover, the head of the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), the predecessor to the FBI. The study was one of the first significant cases for the BOI, and it helped to establish the agency as a national force.
A powerful and thought-provoking book, “Killers of the Flower Moon” has relevance in today’s society. Its portrayal of a disturbing story is both significant and unsettling. It is a reminder of the violence and discrimination that Native Americans have faced throughout history, and it is a testament to the resilience of the Osage people.
The movie has garnered critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and performance. It has been nominated for numerous awards, such as the Golden Lion at Venice. It is highly coveted to win both the Film Festival and the Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role award at the Screen Actors Guild, which Leonardo DiCaprio achieved.
The Osage Indian murders occurred in the Osage Nation in present-day Oklahoma. In the early 20th century, the Osage tribe became incredibly wealthy due to the discovery of oil on their land. This newfound wealth attracted outsiders seeking to gain oil money control.
Over several years, numerous members of the Osage tribe were mysteriously killed. The victims included wealthy Osage individuals, many of whom were targeted for their oil rights, inheritance, or insurance policies. As the death toll rose, the Osage people became increasingly suspicious and concerned for their safety.
The book follows the efforts of the FBI, then in its infancy, to investigate the crimes. The individual in question is J. Edgar Hoover, who held the position of director within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). assigned a former Texas Ranger named Tom White to the case. White, along with other agents, worked to uncover the truth behind the murders and expose the conspiracy that involved local law enforcement, business people, and even some members of the Osage community.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” sheds light on a dark chapter in American history, highlighting the discrimination and exploitation faced by Native American communities. The book received critical acclaim for its meticulous research, compelling storytelling, and examination of the systemic injustices faced by the Osage people.
It was announced in 2021 that Martin Scorsese would direct a film adaptation of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro in lead roles. The film is expected to bring attention to this significant historical event further.
In addition to the book, “Killers of the Flower Moon” has been adapted into a film directed by Martin Scorsese. Scheduled for release in 2022, the film features Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Jesse Plemons in starring roles.
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ reviews, Rotten Tomatoes
What are the critics saying? In short, they love it.
On Rotten Tomatoes, “Killers of the Flower Moon” holds a 97% “fresh” approval rating based on 64 reviews.
The film was referred to by Manohla Dargis, a film critic at New York Times, “shocking, at times crushingly sorrowful, a true-crime mystery that in its bone-chilling details can make it feel closer to a horror movie.”
Calling the film “the best performance of Leonardo DiCaprio’s entire career,” IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich praised Scorsese for turning “Killers of the Flower Moon” “into the kind of story that he can still tell better than anyone else: A story about greed, corruption, and the mottled soul of a country that was born from the belief that it belonged to anyone callous enough to take it.”
Gladstone, best known for her role in Kelly Reichardt’s Certain Women, said it was essential to stay grounded in her character, despite the high pedigree of Killers, which is based on the best-selling book of the same name by David Grann and features a screenplay by Eric Roth and Scorsese. “I always kept an eye on where in proximity to telling the story about Mollie Burkhart; how far away do I need to keep my ego?” she told VF. “Because there is this element of the pop and glamour of being in a film directed by Scorsese starring DiCaprio and De Niro.”
The intimidation of such a screen presence is evident in the trailer as De Niro’s character warns: “Expecting a miracle to make all this go away…you know they don’t happen anymore.”
Killers of the Flower Moon will receive a limited theatrical release in IMAX theatres on October 6, going wide on October 20 before streaming globally on Apple TV+.
