Killers of the Flower Moon

| 2023

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Main Plot

"Killers of the Flower Moon," directed by Martin Scorsese, is a historical crime drama set in 1920s Oklahoma. The film delves into the Osage Nation murders, a series of brutal killings targeting wealthy Native Americans who had become rich from oil discovered beneath their land. As the death toll rises, the newly formed FBI steps in to investigate. The story unfolds through the perspectives of the victims, the perpetrators, and the law enforcement officials trying to uncover the truth. It explores themes of greed, racism, and the quest for justice in a deeply corrupt society. The film is based on David Grann's non-fiction book of the same name.

Characters

  • Leonardo DiCaprio plays Ernest Burkhart, a man entangled in a series of murders targeting wealthy Osage Nation members in 1920s Oklahoma.
  • Robert De Niro plays William Hale, a powerful rancher who manipulates his nephew into marrying an Osage woman to gain access to her oil-rich land.
  • Lily Gladstone portrays Mollie Burkhart, a Native American woman whose family members are targeted in a series of murders, driving the investigation into the crimes.

Ending Explained

"Killers of the Flower Moon," directed by Martin Scorsese, concludes with a powerful and somber reflection on the tragic events that unfolded within the Osage Nation during the 1920s. The film, based on true events, depicts the systematic murder of wealthy Osage Native Americans, who had become prosperous due to oil deposits found beneath their land. The climax reveals the depth of the conspiracy orchestrated by William Hale, a prominent local figure, who manipulated his nephew, Ernest Burkhart, into marrying an Osage woman, Mollie, to gain access to her family's oil wealth. As the investigation by the newly formed FBI, led by Tom White, intensifies, the extent of Hale's ruthless ambition and the complicity of local authorities come to light. Ernest, torn between his love for Mollie and his loyalty to his uncle, ultimately confesses to his involvement in the murders. The film ends with the conviction of Hale and his accomplices, but it leaves a lingering sense of injustice and sorrow, highlighting the devastating impact of greed and racism on the Osage community. The conclusion serves as a poignant reminder of the historical atrocities faced by Native Americans and the enduring quest for justice.

Martin Scorsese Crime Drama History Leonardo DiCaprio Robert De Niro Lily Gladstone