Killers of the Flower Moon Release Date, Summary, Budget, Cast, Plot And Everything About it
Killers of the Flower Moon is a 2023 American epic Western crime drama film directed and produced by Martin Scorsese, who co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Roth, based on the 2017 book of the same name by David Grann. Its plot centers on a series of Oklahoma murders in the Osage Nation during the 1920s, committed after oil was discovered on tribal land. Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone lead an ensemble cast that includes Jesse Plemons, Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow, and Brendan Fraser. The film also marks the sixth feature film collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio and the tenth between Scorsese and De Niro.
Release Date
Killers of the Flower Moon was released in the United States on October 20, 2023. It was originally scheduled to be released on November 25, 2022, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Summary
Killers of the Flower Moon is a fictionalized account of the real-life Osage murders, which were investigated by the newly formed Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Osage Nation was one of the wealthiest groups of people in the world in the 1920s, due to the discovery of oil on their land. However, their wealth also made them a target for criminals, who murdered many Osage people in order to steal their land and money.
The film also follows the story of Ernest Burkhart (DiCaprio), a rancher who marries Mollie Kyle (Gladstone), a wealthy Osage woman. Burkhart and his associates begin to murder Osage people in order to steal their land and money. The murders are investigated by Tom White (Plemons), a former Texas Ranger who is now an FBI agent.
Budget
Killers of the Flower Moon is estimated to have a budget of \$200 million, making it one of the most expensive Westerns ever made. The film was produced by Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions and also DiCaprio’s Appian Way Productions.
Cast
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart
- Robert De Niro as William Hale
- Lily Gladstone as Mollie Kyle
- Jesse Plemons as Tom White
- Tantoo Cardinal as Lizzie Q
- John Lithgow as Ernest’s Father
- Brendan Fraser as W.S. Hamilton
- Craig Campana as Frank Smith
- Graham Greene as John Hale
- Sturgill Simpson as Henry Grammer
- Jason Isbell as Leslie Sutton
- William Belleau as Henry Roan
- Louis Cancelmi as Joe Kennedy
- Scott Shepherd as George Burkhart
- Tommy Lee Jones as Henry Vaughan
Plot
The film begins in the 1920s, when the Osage Nation is one of the wealthiest groups of people in the world due to the discovery of oil on their land. However, their wealth also makes them a target for criminals, who begin to murder Osage people in order to steal their land and money.
Ernest Burkhart (DiCaprio) is a rancher who marries Mollie Kyle (Gladstone), a wealthy Osage woman. Burkhart and his associates begin to murder Osage people in order to steal their land and money. The murders are also investigated by Tom White (Plemons), a former Texas Ranger who is now an FBI agent.
White faces a number of challenges in investigating the murders. The Osage Nation is a sovereign nation, and the FBI does not have jurisdiction to investigate crimes on tribal land. Additionally, the oil companies that are profiting from the Osage land are corrupt and are trying to cover up the murders.
Despite the challenges, White is determined to bring the killers to justice. He eventually discovers a conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of the Oklahoma government.
Rotten Tomatoes
Killers of the Flower Moon has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 123 reviews, with an average rating of 8.5/10. The critical consensus reads: “Killers of the Flower Moon is a masterful epic from Martin Scorsese, featuring powerful performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. And also a timely story about greed and injustice.”
Critics have praised the film’s acting, directing, cinematography, as well as its production design. They have also praised its sensitive and respectful portrayal of the Osage people.
Here are some excerpts from positive reviews:
- “A masterpiece.” – The Guardian
- “A powerful and disturbing film that tells an important story.” – The New York Times
- “A must-see for fans of Westerns, crime dramas, and Martin Scorsese films.” – Variety
- “A beautifully made and emotionally devastating film.” – The Hollywood Reporter
- “A film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it.” – The Playlist
That is sure to be remembered as one of the best films of 2023.
Themes
Killers of the Flower Moon explores a number of themes, including greed, corruption, and also injustice. The film also highlights the resilience of the Osage people in the face of adversity.
Critical Reception
Killers of the Flower Moon has received widespread critical acclaim. It has also been praised for its sensitive and respectful portrayal of the Osage people.
Killers of the Flower Moon is a powerful and disturbing film that tells an important story about a dark chapter in American history. It is a must-see for fans of Westerns, crime dramas, and Martin Scorsese films.
