Is Killer of the Flower Moon Based on a True Story? Plot, Cast and More

Is Killers of the Flower Moon based on a true story?

Yes, Killers of the Flower Moon is based on a true story chronicled in David Grann’s 2017 book. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film tells the tragic events of early 1920s Oklahoma, when the Osage tribe discovered oil on their land, only to be met with a series of brutal murders orchestrated by white businessman William K. Hale.

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The story revolves around the relationship between Osage woman Molly Kyle and World War I veteran Ernest Burkhart, and explores a plot to exterminate the Osage in order to gain access to their oil wealth. The film delves into the historical context, including the head right system and systematic violence against the Osage.

While the adaptation highlights the relationship between Molly and Ernest, it reveals a wider culture of killing and complicity. In short, Killers of the Flower Moon powerfully depicts a true story of greed, betrayal, and the struggle for justice within the Osage community.

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Killers of the Flower Moon(2023)

Killers of the Flower Moon is a 2023 film directed and produced by Martin Scorsese and is an epic Western crime drama based on the 2017 nonfiction book by David Grann. Set in 1920s Oklahoma, the film follows a series of murders targeting tribal members following the discovery of oil on Osage tribal lands.

The Osage retain mining rights but face corruption as a local politician attempts to steal their wealth. The film stars a stellar cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone. This is Scorsese’s sixth collaboration with DiCaprio and Scorsese’s tenth with De Niro. The film is dedicated to composer Robbie Robertson, who died before the film was released, and is Scorsese and Robertson’s eleventh and final collaboration.

The film began production in 2016, but production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film, which was financed by Apple TV+ and Paramount Pictures, was shot in Oklahoma with a reported budget of $200 million, making it the most expensive film production in the state’s history.

Killers of the Flower Moon release date

Killers of the Flower Moon premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023, to a nine-minute standing ovation. The U.S. premiere took place on September 27, 2023, at Lincoln Center in New York City, absent the cast due to the 2023 Screen Actors Guild and Television and Radio Artists Guild strike. The film was initially scheduled for a limited release on October 6, 2023, followed by a full release on October 20, but Apple TV+ and Paramount Pictures opted to release the film theatrically worldwide on the latter.

Italy’s Rai Cinema and Leone Film Group acquired local theatrical rights during the film’s production. A second trailer was released in July 2023, revealing plans for an IMAX theatrical release. Intermissions were added to some international theaters, leading to contractual disputes with Paramount and Apple. Despite being criticized for its excessive running time, the film has defended its length. It becomes available on Video on Demand on December 5, 2023, and begins streaming on Apple TV+ on January 12, 2024.

Killers of the Flower Moon

The story begins with Osage elders mourning the assimilation of their descendants and the discovery of oil on their Oklahoma reservation during the “Flower Moon” phenomenon. They become wealthy, but the law requires white guardians to manage their money. Ernest Burkhart, a World War I veteran, returns and allies himself with his uncle William Hale, who poses as a friend of the Osage but secretly plots murder to gain access to the oil wealth. Ernest marries Molly Kyle, who plots the murder to inherit more head rights.

As the Osage face discrimination and people begin to worry, Molly seeks help from the authorities. Hale orders more murders, but private investigator Burns and the Bureau discover the truth. Ernest confesses, leading to Hale’s conviction and Molly divorcing him. The film ends with the aftermath, revealing the conviction, protests, and Molly’s later life. The final scene depicts a contemporary Osage powwow circle.

Killers of the Flower Moon Cast

actor

Features

Leonardo Dicaprio

Ernest Burckhardt

Robert De Niro

William Hale

Lily Gladstone

Molly Burkhart

Jesse Plemons

Tom White

Tantoo Cardinal

Lizzie

John Lithgow

Peter Leeward

Brendan Fraser

Hamilton

Kara Jade Myers

Anna

Janai Collins

Reta

Gillian Dion

Minnie

Jason Isbell

Bill Smith

William Bello

Henry Rohan

Where can I watch Killers of the Flower Moon?

You can currently watch Killers of the Flower Moon on Apple TV Plus. If you have an Apple TV Plus subscription, you can stream the movie. This means you can enjoy the movie by logging into your Apple TV Plus account and selecting a movie from its library. The convenience of streaming allows you to watch it on a variety of devices, such as your computer, smart TV, or tablet, as long as you have an internet connection.

It’s an easy way to enjoy a movie from the comfort of your own home, and you can start watching whenever you want. So if you’re interested in the story and you have an Apple TV Plus subscription, you can watch Killers of the Flower Moon whenever you want.

Killers of the Flower Moon trailer

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