Historical Drama "Killers of the Flower Moon" Sparks Controversy and Discussion Over Its Portrayal of Indigenous People

Critics Argue Film Focuses too Heavily on White Perspectives and Graphic Violence, While Others Commend Realistic Portrayal of Historical Events and Usage of Indigenous Language

The recent historical drama 'Killers of the Flower Moon', directed by Martin Scorsese, has sparked both controversy and discussion over its portrayal of Indigenous people, predominantly those from the Osage Nation in Oklahoma.
While some critics have praised the film for its focus on historical events too often overlooked and its usage of the Indigenous Osage language, others have criticized it for what they see as an overemphasis on white perspectives and incidents of graphic violence.
Highlighting one of the most nefarious murder campaigns in American history, the film tells the story of the brutal murders that the Osage endured following the discovery of oil on their lands in the early 20th century.
Some Indigenous individuals - including actress Devery Jacobs - have compared the depiction of the Osage people in the film, particularly the intense trauma suffered, to the ways that Black people have been represented in films about Black history.
Despite these criticisms, there are those within the Osage community who see the film as an opportunity to acknowledge previously untold stories and histories on a major platform, creating further awareness and understanding about the Osage people.