Killers of the Flower Moon PEOPLE Review: Leonardo DiCaprio Stars in Martin Scorsese's Sinister Western

"Killers of the Flower Moon" is an impassioned and sinister movie about a criminal conspiracy against the Osage Nation.

In the 1920s, a criminal conspiracy unfolded against the Osage Nation, a Native American tribe in Oklahoma. This dark chapter in American history is brought to life in director Martin Scorsese's film, Killers of the Flower Moon. The movie explores the arts of civilization that included greed, subterfuge, and murder, as individuals sought to gain control of the Osage tribe's newfound wealth from oil discovered on their lands.

The story revolves around Ernest Burkhart, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who becomes entangled in the conspiracy through his marriage to Mollie Kyle, portrayed by Lily Gladstone. Ernest's uncle, William Hale, played by Robert De Niro, hatches a plan to eliminate Mollie's sisters one by one, ensuring that the oil claims will flow to Mollie. As the plot unfolds, the suspense intensifies, and Ernest's attempts to hire hitmen add to the tension.

The arrival of FBI agent Tom White, played by Jesse Plemons, brings a glimmer of hope as he begins to piece together the case. However, DiCaprio's portrayal of Ernest falls slightly short, as his character's moral growth is conveyed primarily through physical gestures. On the other hand, Gladstone's performance as Mollie is extraordinary, capturing the complexity and strength of her character.

Killers of the Flower Moon is a lengthy film, spanning over three hours, but its deliberate pace is fitting for a story of systematic genocide. Unlike Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, Scorsese opts for a more measured approach, allowing the narrative to unfold naturally and leading the audience to unexpected moments. One particularly beautiful scene depicts a dying Osage woman's vision of the afterlife, adding a touch of mystery to the film.

In a poignant and unusual conclusion, Scorsese himself steps forward to bring the saga to a close, embracing a sense of sad fatalism. The film offers a chilling portrayal of the American character and serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed against Native American tribes. Killers of the Flower Moon is a thought-provoking and haunting film that sheds light on a dark chapter in history.

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