Adapted from David Grann’s nonfiction novel, “Killers of the Flower Moon” centers on a series of murders in Osage Nation during the 1920s, after rich oil deposits were discovered on their land.
A true passion project for acclaimed director, Martin Scorsese, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is an engrossing and powerful tragedy.
Despite its slower pace and almost four hour run time, Scorsese has delicately crafted an impactful and urgent film that slowly burns with corruption and greed. The film’s exposure of our country’s insidious history of white supremacy and violence is unsettling, yet so important to share.
Although Scorsese deserves massive recognition, this film would not have been so successfully executed without its dedicated ensemble of filmmakers and performers.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro are phenomenal. But hey, no surprise there.
This is DiCaprio’s sixth collaboration with Scorsese and De Niro’s tenth so I can only imagine Scorsese’s reactions behind the camera watching his two muses going head to head. He must have been fangirling so hard.
However it is Lily Gladstone who shines the strongest. A true revelation of nuanced emotion and serene stillness, Gladstone is utterly captivating. She doesn’t have a “monologue” Oscar-baity moment (although her cries will echo in my memory forever), but in my eyes, she is a strong awards season contender and the heart of the film.
Also, Jesse Plemons and Brendan Fraser deserves some shout outs because they just make every movie better.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is an unforgettable epic, handled with care. It pays respect to the Osage Nation and gives us insights on some of our country’s truths.
Do not wait for it to drop on Apple+ because this is WORTH a watch on the big screen. Do it for Marty.
Heather's Hot Takes 