Imagine a land where a mesmerizing “flower moon” phenomenon is overshadowed by the ruthless bloom of greed. This visually stunning, historically rich film takes us on a wild ride through the Osage reservation, where oil springs forth, riches flow, and the line between kinship and cold-blooded crime blurs like never before.
We have to say, director Martin Scorsese and his semi-star studded cast have spun a compelling yarn. Leonardo DiCaprio, in his element once again, plays Ernest Burkhart, a man caught between his love for family and the sinister schemes of his uncle, William King Hale, portrayed by none other than the legendary Robert De Niro.
The Osage’s wealth from oil, the court-appointed guardians, and the so-called “incompetence” are the recipes for a perfect crime, and Hale stirs it well. The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the depths of Hale’s treachery, creating a character so wicked that he makes the oil tycoons of the time seem like philanthropists.
What’s fascinating is the mix of Catholic and Osage elements in the wedding ceremony between Ernest and Mollie, played by the wonderful Lily Gladstone. This blend reflects the dual nature of the characters and the complexity of their choices.
As the bodies pile up and Hale’s schemes unravel, the viewer is treated to a historical backdrop, including a glimpse of the 1921 Tulsa race riot. It’s a brutal reminder of how hatred and greed can lead to the darkest chapters in history.
The humor, you ask? Well, it’s not a comedy, but the clever and dark humor scattered throughout adds an unexpected layer to the story. After all, even in the darkest of times, a little laughter can be the light we desperately need.
In the end, as the Osage tribe seeks justice and their culture endures, the film reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit. Killers of the Flower Moon isn’t just a movie; it’s a history lesson, a true crime story, and a cinematic masterpiece all rolled into one. It is a dark, dazzling bloom of cinematic excellence that’s not to be missed.
Rating: 9 Itzies 🌟