A Riveting Look at the Osage Nation’s Plight

Read Time:4 Minute, 16 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Here for Blood
–

Genre: Crime, Drama, History
Year Released: 2023, 2024 Apple TV+
Runtime: 3h 26m
Director(s): Martin Scorsese
Writer(s): Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, Lily Gladstone, Tantoo Cardinal, Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, Jillian Dion
Where To Watch: available now on Apple TV+

RAVING REVIEW: Martin Scorsese's KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON feels like opening a time capsule filled with the dual-edged sword of prosperity and predation that defined the Osage Nation in 1920s Oklahoma. This goes beyond your standard history lesson; it's a riveting and heartbreaking exploration of resilience against breathtaking landscapes and dark human motives. With a star-studded cast featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, this movie doesn't just tell a story—it grabs you by the collar and insists you give it your full attention.

Scorsese navigates this journey through the narrative, where he conjures a world where the guardianship system's protective facade crumbles to reveal a mechanism of exploitation and control. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve taken issue with some of Scorsese’s recent “hot takes,” but there’s no question about this film's presentation. Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Ernest Burkhart will haunt your dreams; a character I expected to take a different path leaves us with many unanswered questions. William Hale (Robert De Niro) stands centerstage, a man whose ambition spirals into a dark void, threatening to consume the Osage Nation's soul. The movie's genius lies in its storytelling and ability to peel back layers of identity, loss, and the quest for justice, engaging the audience in a multi-level emotional and intellectual journey. Ultimately, it was Lily Gladstone’s heartwrenching take as Mollie Burkhart that cemented this film into its place in history. Gladstone has proven, in a year, that she’s ready to take Hollywood head-on and make sure we never look at stories the same again.

The entire experience of watching KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON sets it apart from a traditional period piece. You forget at times that you’re just watching a story. Robbie Robertson's score haunts the storyline, adding an uncertain depth to the narrative, while the cinematography paints each scene with a palette that could only be described as "visually arresting."

At times, the film almost buckles under the weight of its narrative complexity, leaving some characters in the shadows, their stories screaming for more screen time (in a three-and-a-half-hour-long movie, that’s saying something.) These moments of untapped potential whisper of what might have been had the film given them more room to breathe. One has to wonder if this epic would have been better suited as a limited series instead of a feature film.

Nonetheless, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON is a cinematic triumph that marries entertainment with introspection, urging its audience to reflect on the darker chapters of American history while highlighting the indomitable spirit of those who rise in adversity. It's a film that doesn't just aim to recreate a piece of history; it immerses you in it, crafting a viewing experience long after the final credits roll.

Scorsese gifts us with a film as thought-provoking as visually splendid; with the help of an incredible cast, the film takes us one step closer to showing the country's past. Through the powerful performances of its leading cast and a story that demands our attention, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON serves as a poignant reminder of cinema's ability to shed light on the corners of our collective past. It's a film that captures the essence of a pivotal moment in American history and showcases the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between the past and the present, reminding us of the stories we must not forget.

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of APPLE TV+]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.