Is Killer of the Flower Moon Based on a True Story? Plot, Cast and More
by Mathelene
Updated Jan 17, 2024
Is Killer of the Flower Moon Based on a True Story?
Yes, "Killers of the Flower Moon" is based on a true story documented in David Grann's 2017 book. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, recounts the harrowing events of the early 1920s in Oklahoma, where the Osage Nation, having discovered oil on their land, faced a series of brutal murders orchestrated by a white businessman, William K. Hale.
The narrative focuses on the relationship between Osage woman Mollie Kyle and World War I veteran Ernest Burkhart, exploring the conspiracy to eliminate Osage family members for their oil wealth. The film delves into the historical context, including the headright system and systemic violence against the Osage.
While the adaptation emphasizes the relationship between Mollie and Ernest, it reveals a broader culture of killing and complicity. In simple terms, "Killers of the Flower Moon" is a powerful depiction of a true story involving greed, betrayal, and the struggle for justice within the Osage community.
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Killer of the Flower Moon (2023)
"Killers of the Flower Moon," a 2023 film directed and produced by Martin Scorsese, is an epic Western crime drama based on David Grann's 2017 non-fiction book. Set in 1920s Oklahoma, the movie explores a series of murders targeting Osage tribal members after the discovery of oil on their land.
The Osage, retaining mineral rights, face corruption as a local political figure aims to steal their wealth. The star-studded cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone. Collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio marks its sixth, while Scorsese and De Niro's partnership reaches its tenth film. Dedicated to composer Robbie Robertson, who passed away before the release, it's the eleventh and final collaboration between Scorsese and Robertson.
Development began in 2016, with production delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film, financed by Apple TV+ and Paramount Pictures, was shot in Oklahoma with a reported $200 million budget, making it the most expensive film production in the state's history.
Killer of the Flower Moon Release Date
"Killers of the Flower Moon" premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023, receiving a nine-minute standing ovation. The United States premiere occurred on September 27, 2023, at Lincoln Center in New York City, with the cast absent due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Originally set for a limited release on October 6, 2023, followed by a wide release on October 20, Apple TV+ and Paramount Pictures opted for a global theatrical rollout on the latter date.
Italy's Rai Cinema and Leone Film Group secured local theatrical release rights during the film's production. The second trailer's release in July 2023 revealed plans for an IMAX theatrical release. Some international cinemas added intermissions, leading to contract disputes with Paramount and Apple. Despite criticism for its lengthy runtime, the film defended its duration. It became available on video on demand on December 5, 2023, and started streaming on Apple TV+ on January 12, 2024.
Killer of the Flower Moon Plot
The story begins with the Osage Nation elders mourning their descendants' assimilation and discovering oil on their Oklahoma reservation during the "flower moon" phenomenon. They become wealthy, but laws force white guardians to manage their money. World War I veteran Ernest Burkhart returns, aligning with his uncle, William Hale, who poses as a friend to the Osage but secretly plans their murders for oil wealth. Ernest marries Mollie Kyle, and Hale orchestrates killings to inherit more headrights.
Concerns arise as Osage face discrimination, and Mollie seeks help from authorities. Hale orders more murders, but private detective Burns and the Bureau of Investigation uncover the truth. Ernest confesses, leading to Hale's conviction, while Mollie divorces him. The film concludes with the aftermath, revealing convictions, protests, and Mollie's later life. The final scene depicts a contemporary Osage powwow dancing circle.
Killer of the Flower Moon Cast
Leonardo DiCaprio
Ernest Burkhart
Robert De Niro
William Hale
Lily Gladstone
Mollie Burkhart
Jesse Plemons
Tom White
Tantoo Cardinal
Lizzie Q
John Lithgow
Peter Leaward
Brendan Fraser
W. S. Hamilton
Cara Jade Myers
Anna
JaNae Collins
Reta
Jillian Dion
Minnie
Jason Isbell
Bill Smith
William Belleau
Henry Roan
Actor
Character
Where to watch Killer of the Flower Moon?
You can currently watch "Killers of the Flower Moon" on Apple TV Plus. If you have a subscription to Apple TV Plus, you have access to stream the movie. This means you can enjoy the film by logging into your Apple TV Plus account and selecting the movie from their library. The convenience of streaming allows you to watch it on various devices like your computer, smart TV, or tablet, as long as you have an internet connection.
It's a straightforward way to enjoy the movie from the comfort of your home, and you can start watching whenever it suits you. So, if you're interested in the story and have an Apple TV Plus subscription, you can dive into "Killers of the Flower Moon" at your convenience.
Killer of the Flower Moon Trailer
Is Killer of the Flower Moon Based on a True Story? - FAQs
Yes, the film is based on the true events documented in David Grann's 2017 non-fiction book of the same name, recounting the Osage murders and the Reign of Terror in the 1920s.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" is a film directed by Martin Scorsese, portraying the true story of the Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma. It explores the Osage Nation's wealth from oil discovery and the sinister plot to exploit it, based on David Grann's non-fiction book.
The main cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart, Robert De Niro as William Hale, Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart, Jesse Plemons as Tom White, Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser, Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, Jillian Dion, Jason Isbell, and William Belleau.
The film had its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023, with a subsequent U.S. premiere on September 27, 2023, at Lincoln Center in New York City.
The film is available for streaming on Apple TV Plus after its release on January 12, 2024, and was initially shown in theaters during its global theatrical rollout on October 20, 2023.