Martin Scorsese's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Impresses Critics with Unique Storytelling and Subtle Drama

Scorsese's latest film 'Killers of the Flower Moon' catches critics' eyes with its exploration of 1920s Osage Nation murders, subtle storytelling, and surprising portrayal of DiCaprio's character.

Martin Scorsese's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' is a subtle narrative focused on the 1920s Osage Nation murders. The story centers around Ernest Burkhart, a real-life schemer played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who marries Osage women for their oil wealth.
The film is characterized by Scorsese's unique storytelling that strays from his trademark dramatic climax scene. Instead, it showcases the downfall of Burkhart in a non-violent, quiet manner, contributing to the overall somber tone of the narrative.
The perspective of the story shifted during production after DiCaprio suggested the heart of the story was Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman portrayed by Lily Gladstone. Mollie marries Ernest, unknowing of his sinister plotting to strip her family's wealth.
Scorsese interacts with the Osage leaders to shape an honest portrayal of their history. The three-hour film is seen as a demonstration of his restraint as it delves deeply into the humble lives of the Osage people, their culture, and their pain.
Scorsese makes a daring attempt to critique the Hollywood machine, implicitly questioning its adequacy in authentic storytelling, representation, and reparation for historical injustices. The film concludes in a bold expression, providing an honest characterization of the Osage murders and an on-going aftermath.