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TORI SATCHWELL | STAFF REPORTER | tsatchwell@butler.edu
“Film Fanatics” focuses on the latest and greatest cinema has to offer. Ranging from the newest movies in theaters to familiar favorites, enjoy thoughtful reviews that inspire further reflection or several rewatches. Read on to discover your next favorite film.
As Oscar season is on the horizon, audiences are now subjected to the best and worst movies the year has to offer. Luckily, “Killers of the Flower Moon” proves to be a buzz-worthy film that will leave audiences in awe of its master craft and haunting message for years to come.
Martin Scorsese’s latest film offers a beautiful yet devastating portrayal of the terrifying true story of the Osage Murders. Whether it is from the gripping performances by the entire cast, the gut-wrenching premise or the atrociously long run-time of three and a half hours, this movie will have viewers in tears by the end.
The Native American Osage Nation discovers oil on their land in Fairfax, Oklahoma, making them the richest people per capita in the 1920s. After returning from war, Ernest Burkhardt — Leonardo DiCaprio — is influenced by his uncle, William “King” Hale — Robert De Niro — into assisting King with his shady dealings. King wants the oil money from the Osage, and he will stop at nothing to ensure the money flows his way. Therefore, after falling in love with Mollie — portrayed by Lily Gladstone — Ernest is torn between his two familial relationships, and their connection is tested during the Reign of Terror, where many Osage Natives are brutally murdered.
The worst horror in this movie is the truth of it. No one was willing to help the Osage fight for their money, their land and their home. The audience constantly sees portrayals of violence and manipulation, and the police do nothing. The same issues plaguing the indigenous population are still occurring today with the murders and disappearances of many indigenous women. This movie highlights how the system has not changed, leaving an entire population unprotected.
Gladstone beautifully captures the pain of her character and forces the audience to understand her. There is one moment when she lets out a cry of agony, and there was not a dry eye in the house. Audiences are already pushing for Gladstone to win the Best Actress Award.
DiCaprio and De Niro also shine. DiCaprio masters the frowning face, and audiences actually cannot imagine how many wrinkles he accumulated throughout filming. De Niro delivers a frighteningly spot-on performance of a criminal in plain sight. While it might not beat his Oscar-nominated performance in “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle”, his portrayal should generate some Oscar buzz.
There were some moments that did not contribute to the plot or overall flow of the movie, but for the most part, this movie flew by. Therefore, if audiences are up for it, “Killers of the Flower Moon” would be a perfectly devastating way to spend an entire afternoon.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is currently out in theaters and will be streaming soon on Apple TV+.
