Director Martin  Scorsese’s “Killers of  the Flower Moon,” is a  true crime movie that  dives deep into one of  the most chilling and  overlooked chapters in  American and Indian  history. Based on David Grann’s non-fiction  book, this film is an  honest and descriptive  portrayal of the Osage  Indian murders in the  1920s. In this movie  Scorsese weaves to 

gather elements of history, suspense, and human drama into a three  and a half hour masterpiece. 

Set in the backdrop  of the burgeoning oil  industry in Oklahoma  during the Roaring  Twenties, Scorsese’s  screenplay and videography takes a journey  back in time. The film’s  attention to detail,  from the era-accurate  set designs to the au 

Thentic costumes are  what really brings this  movie together. The  cinematography, courtesy of Rodrigo Prieto,  captures both the highs  and lows of this time  period and makes the  viewer feel like they are  truly in the setting. 

At the core of  “Killers of the Flower  Moon” is the Osage Nation, a Native American  tribe that, after being  forced off of their previous land, discovered  a great amount of oil  beneath their Oklahoma territory. Overnight, they became  some of the richest  people on the planet.  The film dissects how  their newfound affluence became a source  of jealousy and greed,  

leading to a series of  mysterious deaths  among the Osage.  Throughout the narrative, Scorsese has consistently emphasized  the diverse approaches  to storytelling.  

Some Natives met  their end through  gunfire, while others  perished in explosive  incidents, and a different set of victims  succumbed to an enigmatic wasting ailment,  which likely resulted  from poison. This period is commonly referred to as the “Osage  Reign of Terror,” a  rather perplexing label  that erroneously suggests the Osage bore  some responsibility for  the atrocities inflicted  upon them. 

The history of the  Osage people is marked  by both resilience and  tragedy. The Osage  Nation has endured  and remains a federally recognized tribe in  the United States. They  have their own government, with a principal  chief and tribal council, and they continue  to maintain their cultural traditions and  language. Today, the  Osage Nation continues to be an integral  part of Native American history and culture  

in the United States. Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio  takes on the role of  Ernest Burkhart in  the film. Burkhart is a  white man who marries  into the Osage tribe  and finds himself in  between two sides of a  murder case. DiCaprio  gives an absolutely  amazing performance  as Burkhart, offering a  portrayal of this morally conflicted character who is in love but  

primarily motivated  by money. He displays  the inner thoughts of a  man torn between loyalty to his family and  the Osage community,  and his own ambitions.  His co-star, Lily Glad 

Stone plays the role of  Mollie Burkhart, Ernest  Burkhart’s wife. Gladstone’s performance  of a woman seeking  justice for her family  is incredibly powerful. Robert De Niro takes  

on the character of  William Hale, a figure  in the Osage murder  conspiracy. De Niro’s  performance is spine chilling and showcases  his unmatched ability  to completely transform into any character. Jesse Plemons, too,  deserves recognition  for his portrayal of Tom  White, an FBI agent  tasked with solving the  case. Plemons plays  his role with a sense  of drive and purpose,  making his pursuit  of the truth a driving  force in the narrative. 

“Killers of the  Flower Moon” is not  merely a crime drama;  it is a powerful examination of racial prejudice, exploitation, and  the early days of the  Federal Bureau of Investigation. The film  raises critical questions  about the victimization of Native Americans, even when they  possessed immense  wealth. It sheds light  on the racism that prevailed at the time and  the corrupt alliances  that allowed the murderers to escape justice. Scorsese’s direction is  absolutely perfect in its  storytelling. He weaves  together an intricate  narrative that keeps  the audience engaged  throughout the film’s  

duration. The pacing  allows for a must see  experience that enables viewers to delve  deep into the characters and historical context. The musical score,  composed by the late  Robbie Robertson, enhances the atmosphere  with its haunting melodies that mirror the  disquiet and suspense  of the story. Robert son composed all 21  songs on the movie’s  soundtrack. 

“Killers of the  Flower Moon” is an  unflinching exploration of a dark period  in American history. It  forces the audience to  confront some of the  grimmest aspects of  the past while providing a glimmer of hope  through the pursuit of  justice. The film is a  testament to the power  of cinema in shedding  light on the forgotten  stories and struggles of  marginalized communities. 

This cinematic triumph combines exceptional performances,  breathtaking visuals,  and a gripping narrative all into one final  product. This movie  serves as a reminder  of the significance of  acknowledging our history, no matter how  painful, and the necessity of seeking justice  for all. This movie is a  must-see for anyone  interested in American  history or for anyone  who wants to be emotionally moved. This  on-screen portrayal of  a forgotten chapter in  history serves as a testament to the enduring power of cinema.  The movie, “Killers of  the Flower Moon,” will  undoubtedly stand the  test of time.