Martin Scorsese's western true-crime thriller delves into the chilling account of the Osage murders that unfolded in the United States during the early 1920s. Drawing inspiration from David Grann's acclaimed nonfiction bestseller, Scorsese, alongside co-writer Eric Roth, masterfully constructs an epic narrative steeped in existential dread. This gripping tale serves as a haunting reflection on the emergence of the American century, intertwining a macabre depiction of quasi-genocidal serial killings with the larger narrative of the erasure of Native Americans from the fabric of the nation. At its core, the film skillfully portrays a gaslit marriage plagued by deception and poisoned love, foregrounding the dark undercurrents of the human psyche. It echoes Scorsese’s earlier work about mob violence, mob loyalty and the final, inevitable sellout to the federal authorities, whose own bad faith gradually emerges. But in the end, this film is about what all westerns are about, and perhaps all history: the brutal grab for land, resources and power.

1. Killers of the Flower Moon - Review
May 21, 2023
Martin Scorsese's western true-crime thriller delves into the chilling account of
the Osage murders that unfolded in the United States during the early 1920s.
Drawing inspiration from David Grann's acclaimed nonfiction bestseller,
Scorsese, alongside co-writer Eric Roth, masterfully constructs an epic narrative
steeped in existential dread. This gripping tale serves as a haunting reflection
on the emergence of the American century, intertwining a macabre depiction of
quasi-genocidal serial killings with the larger narrative of the erasure of Native
Americans from the fabric of the nation. At its core, the film skillfully portrays a
gaslit marriage plagued by deception and poisoned love, foregrounding the dark
undercurrents of the human psyche. It echoes Scorsese’s earlier work about
mob violence, mob loyalty and the final, inevitable sellout to the federal
authorities, whose own bad faith gradually emerges. But in the end, this film is

2. about what all westerns are about, and perhaps all history: the brutal grab for
land, resources and power.
Lily Gladstone delivers a performance of profound emotional intensity in the role
of Mollie Burkhart, a Native American woman hailing from the Osage tribe. The
narrative unfolds against the backdrop of an unexpected fortune that has
befallen Mollie and her fellow Osage people. Their land in Oklahoma, once
deemed barren and unremarkable, has revealed vast oil reserves, bestowing
unexpected wealth upon them. However, this newfound prosperity is
overshadowed by a racist and patronizing system of "guardianship," whereby
Osage individuals must have a white co-signatory to access and manage their
wealth. Compounding these challenges, Mollie and her family confront a
haunting mystery as they grapple with the unexplained illnesses and deaths
plaguing the Osage community. The discovery of murdered Osage individuals,
including Mollie's unconventional sister Anna, further deepens the sense of
unease. Remarkably, the autopsies for these victims are conducted outdoors, at
the very sites where the crimes occurred, adding a chilling layer of intrigue to
the unfolding story.
Leonardo DiCaprio portrays the character of Ernest, a cunning and morally
compromised figure who enters into this complex setting. Ernest is both
ambitious and submissive, yet fundamentally inadequate in his character. He
displays traits of greed, foolishness, and a willingness to comply with others'
desires. Returning to the United States following his service in World War I,
Ernest finds himself in the sprawling estate of his affluent uncle. Within this
environment, he is offered a job working alongside his hardened brother Bryan
(pronounced "By-ran"), portrayed by Scott Shepherd. It becomes evident that
Bryan has undergone extensive assimilation into a world of violence and
corruption under the uncle's influence.

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