Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
A Beautifully Shot but Emotionally Inert Epic
Official Synopsis
When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one, until the FBI steps in to unravel the conspiracy. Based on a true story and told through the improbable romance of Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle, Killers of the Flower Moon is an epic western crime saga, where real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal.
Strong performances try to buoy a beautifully shot movie, but Killers of the Flower Moon is lacking in any suspense, thrills, or even any drama that was not already revealed in the film's trailer or synopsis. The movie for me, unfortunately, fails to deliver anything dramatically satisfying.
🎬 Production Credits
The Narrative Focus
The true, historical events are retold with almost documentary-like precision. According to reports, the original script focused on the FBI investigation of the murders, but Leonardo DiCaprio wanted to shift the focus to the twisted love story between his character and his Osage wife. I think I'd have preferred the FBI story, or at least a film from the heartbreaking perspective of the Osage people themselves.
💡 Fun Facts
- The original draft was over 200 pages and centered on Tom White, the lead FBI investigator.
- Martin Scorsese worked closely with Osage Nation consultants to ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy.
- The film marks the sixth collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio.
The Performances
- Robert De Niro & Leonardo DiCaprio: Deliver well-performed acting histrionics that provide the film's primary zest.
- Lily Gladstone: Anchors the "twisted love story" that became the film's central focus.
- The Violence: Choreographed and re-created with a precision that, by design, makes the viewer feel almost sadistic in witnessing.
✅ Pros
- Admittedly strong, high-caliber acting.
- Visually stunning cinematography.
- Historical precision in recreation.
❌ Cons
- Painfully slow pacing.
- Lack of dramatic suspense or surprises.
- Focus shift away from the investigation/Osage perspective.
My Review
Killers of the Flower Moon features strong performances that try to buoy a beautifully shot movie, yet it remains significantly lacking in suspense, thrills, or any drama that was not already revealed in the film's trailer or synopsis. For me, the production unfortunately fails to deliver anything dramatically satisfying. The true, historical events are retold with almost a documentary-like precision, except the film unfolds painfully slower than a strong documentary. The only zest or excitement, besides the admittedly well-performed acting histrionics demonstrated by Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, is the choreographed violence and murders. Witnessing these moments, by design, makes the viewer feel almost sadistic.
One can certainly argue that this story of murder and injustice against the Osage people needs to be told, but it remains questionable if the narrative required such an unmoving and unwieldy pace. Reports suggest the original script focused on the FBI investigation of the murders, but DiCaprio pushed to shift the focus toward the twisted love story between his character and his Osage wife, played by a riveting Lily Gladstone. I think I would have preferred the FBI chronicle, or at least a film told from the heartbreaking perspective of the Osage people themselves.
The cinematography is handsome and the production design is a solid achievement, capturing the 1920s Oklahoma setting with sincere detail. However, the story prizes its deliberate length over a truly engaging story, providing a sharp, satirical edge to the greed of the era without ever finding a moving emotional heart. While the film represents an admirable reach by a legendary director, it serves as a somber reminder that technical excellence cannot always overcome a listless script. This is a special achievement in historical recreation, yet it functions more as a clinical assessment of evil than a captivating cinematic journey.
The Pivot
The script underwent a massive overhaul when the focus shifted from an FBI procedural to a domestic tragedy. This choice allowed for a more visceral look at the betrayal within the Burkhart family, though it fundamentally altered the tension of the original source material.
Authentic Craft
Filmed on location in Oklahoma, the production utilized Osage consultants to ensure the language, clothing, and customs served as a truthful prism for the culture. This dedication to realism provides the film with its most sincere and landmark qualities.
One can argue that this story of murder and injustice against the Osage needs to be told, but did it need to be so long, slow, and unmoving? While technically proficient, the film remains ultimately unsatisfying.
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