Killers of the Flower Moon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dumb guy marries into a rich family, and his uncle convinces him to slowly kill them all for the inheritance, but then the FBI shows up and ruins everything.

🍿 Killers of the Flower Moon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Discovery of Oil and Osage Wealth

In 1920s Oklahoma, the Osage Nation finds itself in possession of immense wealth after oil is discovered on their land. This sudden prosperity makes them targets, attracting unwanted attention from white settlers and businessmen eager to exploit their resources. The film opens depicting the Osage elders mourning the assimilation into white society, a tragic foreshadowing of the events to come. The story emphasizes the legal mechanisms that allowed whites to control Osage wealth, setting the stage for systemic abuse.

Ernest Burkhart’s Arrival and Relationship with Mollie

Ernest Burkhart, a World War I veteran, arrives in Osage County to work for his uncle, William ‘King’ Hale, a powerful and influential figure in the community. Ernest quickly becomes entangled in Hale’s schemes and is encouraged to pursue a relationship with Mollie Kyle, an Osage woman whose family holds significant oil head-rights. Their romance blossoms, leading to marriage, but the audience is aware that ulterior motives are at play. Mollie, despite her diabetes and failing health, is a strong woman who loves Ernest sincerely.

The Reign of Terror Begins

As the Osage grow wealthier, a series of mysterious deaths plague the community. Members of Mollie’s family, including her sisters and mother, begin to die under suspicious circumstances. These deaths are often dismissed or poorly investigated by local authorities, highlighting the corruption and prejudice prevalent in the area. The film depicts how the Osage live in constant fear, but still attempt to maintain their traditions. As the death toll mounts, Mollie becomes increasingly concerned and tries to seek help from the authorities and the federal government.

Federal Investigation and Unraveling the Conspiracy

Due to Mollie’s lobbying, the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), a precursor to the FBI, sends Agent Thomas White to investigate the murders. White and his team uncover a complex web of deceit and corruption, revealing Hale’s orchestration of the killings to acquire the Osage’s oil wealth through Ernest and other accomplices. Key witnesses and informants start to emerge, providing critical evidence against Hale and his network. The investigation faces many hurdles, including a conspiracy of silence and the involvement of prominent figures in the community.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio): A simple-minded World War I veteran who marries an Osage woman as part of his uncle’s scheme to acquire her family’s oil wealth.
• William Hale (Robert De Niro): A powerful and manipulative rancher who orchestrates the murders of Osage people to steal their oil money.
• Mollie Burkhart (Lily Gladstone): An Osage woman who marries Ernest Burkhart and becomes a target of her husband and his uncle’s deadly plot.
• Tom White (Jesse Plemons): The lead Bureau of Investigation (BOI) agent tasked with investigating the Osage murders.
• Lizzie Q (Tantoo Cardinal): Mollie’s mother, and a symbol of Osage tradition, who becomes ill amidst the rising tensions and murders.
• Anna (Cara Jade Myers): Mollie’s rebellious sister who becomes one of the victims in the conspiracy to steal Osage wealth.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• William Hale: “I love the Osage.” – Said repeatedly by Hale as a facade to mask his manipulative and murderous intentions towards the Osage people.
• William Hale: “You boys go get you some blankets. Find you an Indian wife.” – Hale encourages his nephews to marry Osage women in order to gain control of their oil headrights.
• Ernest Burkhart: “I don’t know what you said, but it must’ve been Indian for ‘handsome devil’.” – A line demonstrating Ernest’s simple-minded nature and attempts to charm Mollie during their courtship.
• Ernest Burkhart: “Could you live with it? Could you live with it if I didn’t do it? I love you, Mollie.” – Spoken during the trial when Ernest is confronted about his role in the murders, highlighting his conflicting feelings and manipulation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $200,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $68,035,488
• Worldwide Gross: $158,772,599

💥 Killers of the Flower Moon Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely captivated by ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ The story is heartbreaking, and the performances are phenomenal. Lily Gladstone’s portrayal of Mollie is so powerful. I was particularly moved by the scenes showing the Osage community’s traditions. The film’s length is justified by the depth and complexity of the narrative, and it’s a movie that will stay with me for a long time.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Martin Scorsese films”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas and true crime”
  • “Those seeking stories about Native American history and injustice”
  • “Fans of Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and murder”
  • “Depiction of historical racism and exploitation”
  • “Disturbing themes of greed and betrayal”
  • “Substance abuse”
  • “Brief spanking scene”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Scorsese delivers a sweeping epic that unflinchingly examines America’s dark history of exploiting Native Americans, with compelling performances from DiCaprio, De Niro, and Gladstone. The film is long, but every scene feels essential to understanding the scope of the tragedy.
• Variety: “Lily Gladstone is the standout in this historical crime drama, capturing the quiet strength and resilience of Mollie Burkhart. Scorsese masterfully portrays the insidious nature of prejudice and greed, resulting in a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
• The Guardian: “A searing indictment of American history, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is a meticulously crafted masterpiece. Scorsese’s direction is impeccable, drawing nuanced performances from his cast, particularly Gladstone, who delivers a career-defining performance.

Audience Reactions

Lily Gladstone’s performance was mesmerizing and heart-wrenching.: Viewers overwhelmingly praised Lily Gladstone’s performance as a standout, citing her emotional depth and powerful screen presence.

The movie effectively highlighted a forgotten part of American History.: Many audience members appreciated the film for bringing attention to a tragic and often overlooked chapter in American history, praising its historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

Overall Consensus: A powerful and haunting epic that sheds light on a dark chapter in American history, elevated by exceptional performances and Scorsese’s masterful direction.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The case depicted in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ was one of the first major investigations of the newly-formed FBI.”
• “Leonardo DiCaprio initially wanted to play the role of Tom White, the FBI agent, but Martin Scorsese convinced him to play Ernest Burkhart instead.”
• “Martin Scorsese spent a significant amount of time with the Osage Nation to ensure the story was told with sensitivity and respect.”

🖥️ How to Watch Killers of the Flower Moon?

Killers of the Flower Moon is available to stream on Apple TV+ following its theatrical release. Check your local listings for availability. You can also purchase or rent the film on platforms such as Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, and Apple TV.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Killers of the Flower Moon, you might like these similar films:

• There Will Be Blood (2007): Explores themes of greed, ambition, and the dark side of the oil industry in early 20th-century America.
• The Untouchables (1987): Another crime epic that deals with corruption and law enforcement in the early 20th century.
• Wind River (2017): Deals with crimes committed against Native American populations and the challenges of seeking justice on reservations.
• The Irishman (2019): Another epic crime film directed by Scorsese, starring De Niro and exploring themes of betrayal and morality over decades.

🛒 Killers of the Flower Moon Related Products

• Killers of the Flower Moon (David Grann) – Audiobook: Experience David Grann’s gripping non-fiction book in audiobook format, bringing the chilling story of the Osage murders to life through vivid narration. Perfect for true crime fans and history enthusiasts alike.
• Killers of the Flower Moon – Limited Edition Movie Poster: Own a piece of cinematic history with this limited-edition movie poster, featuring striking artwork from the film. Printed on high-quality paper, it’s a must-have for collectors and fans of Scorsese’s work.
• Vintage 1920’s Style Fedora Hat – Killers of the Flower Moon Inspired: Capture the essence of the 1920s era with this stylish fedora hat. Modeled after the hats worn in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’, this is a perfect accessory for movie fans and vintage style enthusiasts.
• Osage Nation Heritage Collection – DVD: A curated selection of documentaries and historical recordings that celebrate the culture and heritage of the Osage Nation, providing valuable context for understanding the world depicted in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Killers of the Flower Moon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Bull Doze Blues” – performed by Henry Thomas
• “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” – performed by The Osage Tribal Singers
• “Original Score Selections” – performed by Robbie Robertson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone talk ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’

Curious about the behind-the-scenes perspective from two lead actors? This interview with DiCaprio and Gladstone gives us an in-depth look at ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’.

Jason Isbell – “Weathervanes” & 🎥Killers of The Flower Moon🎥 | The Daily Show

If you’re curious about how music and acting intertwine, check out this interview with Jason Isbell, who shares his experiences from ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’.

How Leo DiCaprio SAVED Killers of the Flower Moon🎥 Where’s the HEART of this Story⁉️ 👍️

Love to dig deep into the narrative dynamics of a movie? This analysis video deconstructs ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and reveals DiCaprio’s impact on the plot.

How Scorsese Moves the Camera With Purpose in 🎥‘Killers of the Flower Moon’🎥 | Anatomy of a Scene

For fans of cinematography, this video from The New York Times is a must-watch. It breaks down Scorsese’s masterful camera work in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’, revealing the artistry behind each shot.

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