Killers of the Flower Moon is a gripping new crime drama directed by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The film is based on David Grann's 2017 nonfiction book of the same name, which documents the chilling true story of the Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma.
The Osage Nation possessed immense oil wealth on their reservation lands, which attracted unscrupulous attention. Members of the tribe began dying under mysterious circumstances, and the newly created FBI was called upon to investigate the string of murders.
What they uncovered was a sinister plot motivated by greed to seize control of the Osage's fortune by any means necessary.
Killers of the Flower Moon dives deep into this dark chapter of American history. Scorsese brings his mastery of film to expose the prejudice, corruption, and injustice that the Osage faced even in death.
Killers of the Flower Moon Movie - Everything We Know So Far
Apple Original Films' highly anticipated movie "Killers of the Flower Moon" is set to release in theaters in 2023. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, this crime drama promises to be one of the biggest films of the year. Here's everything we know so far about the Killers of the Flower Moon movie release, tickets, where to watch online, box office predictions, casting, and key details about the plot.
Other key cast members include:
Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart
Jesse Plemons as FBI agent Tom White
Brendan Fraser as lawyer W.S. Hamilton
John Lithgow as Prosecutor Leaward
Louis Cancelmi as Kelsie Morrison
Tatanka Means as Charles Wahweeah
Michael Abbott Jr. as James Bigheart
Pat Healy as Bryan Burkhart
Scott Shepherd as John Wren
Jason Isbell as Bill Smith
William Belleau as Henry Roan
With its collection of stars and respected veteran actors, Killers of the Flower Moon has assembled an impressive cast.
The True Crime Story Behind Killers of the Flower Moon
Killers of the Flower Moon is based on the gripping true crime book of the same name by David Grann. The book examines a sinister series of murders targeting members of the Osage Nation in 1920s Oklahoma that became known as the "Reign of Terror."
At the center of the murders was a nefarious plot to gain control of the fortunes generated by oil deposits found on Osage lands. Wealthy Native Americans were killed one-by-one as their family members inherited the oil riches.
New evidence uncovered by the recently created FBI implicated a chilling conspiracy involving prominent white businessmen and politicians who sought to steal the fortune by systematically killing the heirs.
Killers of the Flower Moon dives deep into this dark chapter of American history and the heroic efforts to uncover the truth and achieve justice for the victims.
Martin Scorsese's Vision for Killers of the Flower Moon
Master director Martin Scorsese first optioned the book Killers of the Flower Moon back in 2017. He'd been interested in directing a Western-style movie and realized this historical tale had all the elements he was looking for in the genre.
Scorsese has described the movie as a "chilling story with echoes of obsessive greed, prejudice, and a bid for power that has resonated in society from the present day back over a century."
Long-time collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio helped secure the book for a film adaptation and provides the marquee star power Scorsese wanted.
Filming took place in Oklahoma in 2021 with a budget over $200 million provided by Apple. This ranks among the most expensive films Scorsese has ever made.
The director took inspiration from film noir classics like Laura and The Asphalt Jungle in approaching the movie's style. He has cited Alfred Hitchcock as another influence.
While staying true to the book, Scorsese wanted to focus on the human drama between characters like Ernest and Mollie caught up in the murders. Fans can look forward to his masterful direction bringing this haunting historical tale to life.
Why Killers of the Flower Moon is One of 2023's Most Anticipated Movies
Between the popularity of the true crime book, the high-wattage talent involved, and a compelling story that exposes a shocking chapter of American history, Killers of the Flower Moon has secured its status as one of the most anticipated movies of 2023.
The reunion of DiCaprio, De Niro and Scorsese is a cinematic event in itself. Fans have been waiting years to see this trio collaborate again after The Wolf of Wall Street.
With its autumn 2023 release, Killers of the Flower Moon is perfectly positioned to draw audiences, earn critical praise, and contend for major awards like the Oscars. This is sure to be one of the most talked about and celebrated films of next year.
True crime continues to fascinate people today just as it did in the 1920s setting of the story. This mix of frontier justice and murder mystery will resonate powerfully for modern crowds.
For all of these reasons and more, the release of Killers of the Flower Moon stands out as a true highlight on the 2023 movie calendar. Get ready for Scorsese, DiCaprio and company to deliver what could be one of the best films of their storied careers.

