Killers of the Flower Moon

Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

A Beautifully Shot but Emotionally Inert Epic

by Ray Manukay

★★½☆☆

Watched 29 Oct 2023

Strong performances try to buoy a beautifully shot movie, but Killers of the Flower Moon is lacking in any suspense, thrills, or even any drama that was not already revealed in the film's trailer or synopsis. The movie for me, unfortunately, fails to deliver anything dramatically satisfying.

🎬 Production Credits

Director: Martin Scorsese

Writer: Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese

Cinematography: Rodrigo Prieto

Editor: Thelma Schoonmaker

Music: Robbie Robertson

Based on: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

The film unfolds painfully slower than a strong documentary. — Ray Manukay

The Narrative Focus

The true, historical events are retold with almost documentary-like precision. According to reports, the original script focused on the FBI investigation of the murders, but Leonardo DiCaprio wanted to shift the focus to the twisted love story between his character and his Osage wife. I think I'd have preferred the FBI story, or at least a film from the heartbreaking perspective of the Osage people themselves.

💡 Fun Facts

• The original draft was over 200 pages and centered on Tom White, the lead FBI investigator.
• Martin Scorsese worked closely with Osage Nation consultants to ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy.
• The film marks the sixth collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio.

The Performances

• Robert De Niro & Leonardo DiCaprio: Deliver well-performed acting histrionics that provide the film's primary zest.
• Lily Gladstone: Anchors the "twisted love story" that became the film's central focus.
• The Violence: Choreographed and re-created with a precision that, by design, makes the viewer feel almost sadistic in witnessing.

✅ Pros

• Admittedly strong, high-caliber acting.
• Visually stunning cinematography.
• Historical precision in recreation.

❌ Cons

• Painfully slow pacing.
• Lack of dramatic suspense or surprises.
• Focus shift away from the investigation/Osage perspective.

Read the original review on Letterboxd

🏆 Final Verdict

One can argue that this story of murder and injustice against the Osage needs to be told, but did it need to be so long, slow, and unmoving? While technically proficient, the film remains ultimately unsatisfying.