“Killers of the Flower Moon” is a Western film, starring none other than Leonardo DiCaprio, alongside Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone. Released in theaters on Oct. 20, it is slated for an unconfirmed release date on AppleTV+.
The movie revolves around the experiences of the Osage tribe in the late 1910s and 1920s. Native to Oklahoma, the Osage accumulated wealth from rich oil deposits, but people from the United States quickly began to interfere with this process.
Within the film, Ernest Burkhart, a greedy World War I veteran, returns to live with his brother and uncle on a ranch. Hale (Ernest’s uncle), with his moniker of “King”, pretends to have intentions of goodwill and kindness.
Hale, with his deeper intention of self-gain, tells Ernest to attempt to marry Mollie Kyle, an Osaje woman who has access to some of the oil in the region. Ernest goes on to meet Mollie as a cab driver, and they become closer to each other, and eventually marry.
Trying to maximize his profits, Hale resolves to plan the killing of multiple wealthier Osaje. Mollie’s mother, Lizzie, spearheads a movement to fight back against the intruders in the region.
Information is spread about the ruthless attacks on the Osaje tribe, which contributes to the increasing feeling of resentment towards parasitic settlers.
After continued division among Osage tribe members, particularly among law enforcement, who have become corrupted themselves, the tribe remains in disarray. Eventually, the Bureau of Investigation sends an agent and assistants to determine the true source of corruption in the region.
Ernest is eventually persuaded by the agent to confess. After being advised to take back his statement, the death of one of his daughters brings him to denounce Hale.
In the end, Ernest and Hae are incarcerated but eventually released years later on parole. The Osaje were ultimately successful in protecting their culture and lands.
Altogether, the three-hour and twenty-six-minute drama is definitely worth a watch for those who enjoy Western films. In the coming weeks, it will likely make its way onto AppleTV+.
The movie’s dramatic scenes and excellent acting performances have drawn immense critical acclaim from critics. The film is a stunning testament to the unfair treatment of Native Americans in the past.