“Killers of the Flower Moon”: Everything You Need to Know- Release Date, Cast, Trailer

Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”: A Highly-Anticipated Western Epic

The Release of the Second Trailer

A second trailer has been released for Martin Scorsese’s latest film, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” building on the already high levels of anticipation surrounding this Western epic. The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival and received glowing reviews. Clocking in at over three hours and reportedly costing $200 million to make, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is not only ambitious but also marks Scorsese’s first narrative feature since the critically acclaimed “The Irishman” in 2019. With buzz surrounding the film’s premiere at Cannes, it is clear that “Killers of the Flower Moon” is poised to be one of the most highly-anticipated films of the year.

A Historical Crime Drama

“Killers of the Flower Moon” is set in the 1920s in northeastern Oklahoma, where the discovery of oil brings immense wealth to the Osage Nation. However, the allure of wealth also attracts murderous outsiders, leading to the killings of several Native Americans under mysterious circumstances. The story follows a Texas Ranger and the Bureau of Investigation, the precursor to the FBI, as they are called to investigate these murders. J. Edgar Hoover, played by DiCaprio, leads the investigation. This historical crime drama delves into the dark side of greed and corruption during a pivotal moment in American history.

A Glowing Reception at Cannes

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, where it received a lengthy standing ovation and elicited cheers for Scorsese. This marked Scorsese’s first film at Cannes since 1985’s “After Hours,” and the star-studded red carpet event drew a wide array of stars, including Cate Blanchett, Salma Hayek, Paul Dano, and Isabelle Huppert. The positive reception at Cannes further adds to the growing excitement surrounding the film.

An Impressive Cast and Oscar-Winning Performances

“Killers of the Flower Moon” boasts a stacked cast, with both DiCaprio and De Niro taking on significant roles. DiCaprio stars as Ernest Burkhart, a man from Oklahoma who marries into a wealthy Osage family, while De Niro portrays a local power player named William Hale. Jesse Plemons joins the cast as Tom White, a former Texas Ranger tasked with investigating the killings. Additionally, Brendan Fraser, fresh off his first Academy Award win for “The Whale,” plays Hale’s corrupt attorney. With such talented actors at the helm, the performances in “Killers of the Flower Moon” are sure to be top-notch.

Positive Reviews and Acclaim

Critics are heaping praise on “Killers of the Flower Moon,” with a 97% “fresh” approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 64 reviews. Manohla Dargis of The New York Times describes the film as “shocking, at times crushingly sorrowful,” comparing it to a horror movie due to its bone-chilling details. IndieWire’s David Ehrlich lauds Scorsese for telling a story of greed, corruption, and the mottled soul of a country better than anyone else, calling it Leonardo DiCaprio’s best performance of his career. The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney emphasizes the film’s justified lengthy runtime and praises the screenplay, direction, cinematography, score, and performances, particularly highlighting Lily Gladstone’s portrayal. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian dubs the film an “epic of creeping, existential horror about the birth of the American century.”

Based on True Events

“Killers of the Flower Moon” is based on journalist David Grann’s 2017 nonfiction book of the same name, which became a New York Times bestseller and National Book Award finalist. Grann’s book investigates the intricate plot to eliminate Osage people connected to the oil deposits found on their land, the FBI’s investigation of the murders, and the ensuing legal and criminal battles. While officially 20 Osage victims were killed, Grann suspects the actual number could be much higher, possibly totaling in the hundreds. The film brings this chilling historical account to life, shedding light on a dark chapter in American history.

The Release Date and Streaming

“Killers of the Flower Moon” is scheduled to be released in select theaters on October 6, with a wide release on October 20. The film will eventually be available for streaming on Apple+, although a specific date has not yet been announced.

Final Thoughts

With its star-studded cast, impressive reviews, and captivating storyline based on true events, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films of the year. Martin Scorsese has once again proven his mastery as a director, and the performances of DiCaprio, De Niro, and the rest of the cast are expected to be exceptional. As audiences eagerly await its release, “Killers of the Flower Moon” has the potential to become a cinematic milestone and reinforce Scorsese’s legacy as one of the industry’s greatest storytellers.