‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’ Review – A Masterful Cinematic Proclamation Of A Sinister History

Synopsis: “Killers of the Flower Moon” is an epic western crime saga, where real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal. Based on a true story and told through the improbable romance of Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), “Killers of the Flower Moon” tracks the suspicious murders of members of the Osage Nation, who became some of the richest people in the world overnight after oil was discovered underneath their land.

History contains a vast amount of monumental and revolutionary moments, ideas, people, and accomplishments. There are many that galvanized the world and changed it for the better but also those that made waves for all the wrong reasons. Unfortunately, for every positive event and delightful turn in any era, there are a myriad of despicable happenings that affect future generations. Fortunately for those bad actors, they tend to be the ones in power, and their misdeeds get buried or rewritten. However, as ordinary people grow in collective confidence and courage and the thirst for accuracy and accountability overwhelms, the truth is slowly being uncovered and widely reported. It may be ugly and difficult to fathom, but without the facts, we’re doomed to live in a state of perpetual bloody historical reboots.

“Coyote wants money”

If we want to learn from history, every story must be heard. Co-written and directed by Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon is a masterful cinematic proclamation of a sinister history. Based on a novel of essentially the same name by David Grann that’s based on real people and true unforgivable events, this is one of the most important and unforgettable stories of the decade. We all know that America’s history is marred by genocide, slavery, racism, and bloodshed, but oftentimes, that information is relayed in broad strokes. Moreover, once you get granular as this story does, you realize how truly diabolical people can be. The past is never just the past when the present looks the same in many regards.

Opting to tell this narrative from the perspective of two lovers, Molly and Ernest rather than an investigator as the book does, the film fully entrenches you in its time and place. Set in the 1920s on the land of the Osage tribe located in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, the language, traditions, and rituals are on full display. From burials to the naming of newborns, you’ll feel completely transported to another time as a maliciously forgotten epoch unfolds before you. This dark chapter of oil, money, and blood is emboldened by carefully crafted deceit and ruthless murder. Unraveling in an oddly poetic manner due to its rhythm and delivered with perfect performances, Killers of the Flower Moon is a must-see and must-feel experience.

“Don’t do something that you’re going to regret for the rest of your life.”

The 3-and-a-half-hour runtime may seem long, however, I would argue that it is gravely necessary. While it isn’t plainly told in a way that dehumanizes its perpetrators because humans are never that simple, it instead takes its time to show you just how vile the acts of violence and deception are. You witness the miscarriage of unwavering trust, the quiet complicity of white citizens, the misuse of power, and greed of epic proportions. You will undoubtedly feel conflicted as this damn-near masterpiece elicits such righteous anger. I can’t count how many times I balled up my fists or shook my head in disgust that this all actually took place. Not to mention, these types of things are still taking place today. This film is most certainly going to be a conversation starter and will be divisive to those who fail to realize that history doesn’t care about your feelings.

On the technical side of things, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything wrong. The cinematography is magnificent trapping you in time, the score is beautifully haunting as it digs into your psyche, the costume and production design are top-tier, and the writing, direction, and editing can’t get any better. This one is going to stay with you for quite some time. This is not your average period piece, it’s a fully immersive humanity piece. With all of its seemingly unreal twists, let me not forget about its fantastic ending. See Killers of the Flower Moon on the biggest scene possible and get back to me. Its rewatchability is high.

Pacing & Pop

The film’s pacing is like watching the slow burn of a long lit fuse that’s attached to a barrel of gunpowder. As it inches closer to its final destination, you can’t avert your eyes as it guides you to a catastrophic finale. What popped for me was the story itself. I wasn’t remotely familiar with this particular evil subterfuge but knew about another diabolical scheme that took place in Tulsa.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, Tantoo Cardinal, Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, Jillian Dion, William Belleau, Louis Cancelmi, Tatanka Means, Michael Abbott Jr., Pat Healy, Scott Shepherd, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson

While this film is very much an ensemble outing, make no mistake, each performance is outstanding individually. With familiar faces popping up in small and big roles when you least expect it, it rivals that of Oppenheimer. Lily Gladstone is at her best with her poise and air of calm. Leonardo DiCaprio adds another role to his list of phenomenal performances. As Ernest, he is the perfect central character to witness all sides through. Robert De Niro effortlessly captivates each time he is on screen. He plays the character of William Hale like a spiny bush viper. He’s captivating, but once you look the other way, he’s liable to kill you. There are a few more names that will surprise you when they show up.

Killers of the Flower Moon releases in theaters on October 20, 2023. Remain safe and watch for snakes.

Rated: R

Runtime: 3h 27m

Director: Martin Scorsese

Screenplay: Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese

Producers: Martin Scorsese, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Daniel Lupi

Based on: “KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON: THE OSAGE MURDERS AND THE BIRTH OF THE FBI” by David Grann

Executive Producers:  Leonardo DiCaprio, Rick Yorn, Adam Somner, Marianne Bower, Lisa Frechette, John Atwood, Shea Kammer, Niels Juul

Director of Photography: Rodrigo Prieto

Editor: Thelma Schoonmake

Production Design: Jack Fisk

Costume Design: Jacqueline West

Music: Robbie Robertson

https://youtube.com/watch?v=EP34Yoxs3FQ%3Fsi%3DcZ5kCmddWDJl8aPE