Killers of the Flower Moon

It says a lot about the movie industry when a director like Martin Scorsese needs to go to streaming services to get his movies funded. His last movie, "The Irishman," was released on Netflix. His newest, "Killers of the Flower Moon," is getting a theatrical release but will eventually only be available on AppleTV+. The kinds of movies he makes are not made as much anymore. The major studios tend to make big-budget, IP-driven adaptations and sequels. Scorsese is best known for his mid-budget movies aimed at adults, so he has had to look elsewhere to tell the stories he wants.

Set in the 1920s, "Killers of the Flower Moon" focuses on a series of murders/mysterious deaths of the Osage people in Oklahoma.

In the days since I have seen this movie, I have read a few critiques that bring up some valid points. The main focus is on the white characters (Leonardo DiCpario's Ernest and Robert DeNiro's William Hale) while normalizing violence against Native Americans (women specifically). It is a perspective I didn't have while watching it, but it is one I cannot ignore. As much as I loved the movie, it has flaws.

Lily Gladstone, who plays Ernest's wife, Mollie Burkhart, is the heart and soul of this movie. In a film with great performances from the likes of DiCaprio and DeNiro, Gladstone stands out. Mollie is the oldest of her siblings, all of whom end up dying or getting murdered, so the oil rights are hers when her mom passes. She carries the weight of all these deaths, most of which are murders. You can see and feel that in her performance.

She is so good that I wish that more of the movie was told from her perspective. Much of the movie is told from Ernest's point of view, and that is one of the valid criticisms of the film I have come to agree with. We spend more time with the titular killers than with those affected by the murders. There is even a moment late in the movie where Mollie should have been the focus, but instead, the camera lingers on one of the killers. It is a huge missed opportunity.

I loved this movie (even if it was a bit long). The story was compelling, and the three leads delivered some of the best performances of the year. It is great to see that even at 80, Scorsese is still one of the greatest filmmakers in the world.

8/10

Rated R for violence, some grisly images, and language

3hrs. 26mins.