One of the most highly anticipated movies of the season is set to hit theaters this weekend. "Killers of the Flower Moon," the latest film from director Martin Scorsese, will have people flocking to the movie theaters beginning Friday, Oct. 20. Based on the 2017 David Grann book about the Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma, this movie stars two Hollywood heavyweights synonymous with Scorsese's productions: Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Brendan Fraser, Larry Sellers, and John Lithgow, among others, also grace the screen in this compelling drama. Scorsese crafts a powerful and awesome crime story that captivates the audience from start to finish. The film runs for 3½ hours, but every minute is narratively important and essential.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" explores the themes of true love and white greed while addressing America's complicated history concerning its indigenous people. The gripping storyline is based on a true story and unfolds through the "improbable" love of Ernest Burkhart (played by DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (portrayed by Lily Gladstone).
Let's take a closer look at the talented cast and the characters they bring to life in this highly anticipated film.
Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart
DiCaprio's portrayal of Ernest Burkhart marks his seventh collaboration with Scorsese. Together, they have delivered remarkable performances in films such as "Gangs of New York," "The Aviator," and "The Wolf of Wall Street." In "Killers of the Flower Moon," DiCaprio plays Burkhart, whose journey begins when he arrives in Osage County to work for his influential uncle, William King Hale. As the Osage people face mysterious deaths, Mollie Kyle (played by Lily Gladstone) questions who she can trust.
Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart
Lily Gladstone delivers a stunning breakthrough performance as Mollie Burkhart, bringing her deep character arc full of love and pain to life. This talented actress made her film debut in "Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian" in 2012. Raised on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, her tribal affiliations include Kainai, Amskapi Piikani, and Nimi'ipuu First Nations.
Robert De Niro as William Hale
Robert De Niro, a long-time collaborator with Scorsese, plays William Hale, the mastermind behind the deadly scheme. Hale is known for his generous contributions to the Osage community but is later convicted of murdering his friend, Henry Roan, an Osage man. De Niro's partnership with Scorsese spans several iconic films, including "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," and "Goodfellas."
Jesse Plemons as Tom White
Jesse Plemons takes on the role of Tom White, the lead investigator sent to Osage County by the FBI to uncover the truth behind the Osage deaths. Originally, DiCaprio was cast as White, but at his suggestion, the focus of the script shifted to Mollie and Ernest Burkhart. Plemons, known for his roles in TV shows such as "Friday Night Lights" and "Breaking Bad," brings his immense talent to this gripping film.
Other notable stars
The film also features an ensemble cast that includes John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser, Tantoo Cardinal, Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, Jillian Dion, William Belleau, Louis Cancelmi, Tatanka Means, Michael Abbott Jr., Pat Healy, and Scott Shepherd. Additionally, country music stars Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson make their appearances on the big screen.
With such a talented cast and a gripping storyline, "Killers of the Flower Moon" promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience. So mark your calendars and get ready to be captivated by the collaboration of Scorsese, DiCaprio, De Niro, and the rest of the remarkable cast.
