Apple TV released the first trailer for the upcoming Martin Scorsese film, Killers of the Flower Moon. The film is based on the true life events of the Osage Murders of the 1920’s that played an integral part in the formation of the FBI. The trailer filled with the beauty of the Osage people and the depiction of the tragedy that befell them.
This film is based on the book “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and Birth of the FBI” by David Gann. It is a true account of one Osage family’s tragedy, set in the 1920’s. Gann researched the string of murders that began happening after the Osage Nation discovered oil on their lands. It took 24 deaths in multiple Osage families for the authorities to take action.
This time is often referred to as the Reign of Terror. The Osage Nation sits on one of the largest oil finds in American history. Oil companies bombarded Osage County and sought out Osage families to “befriend and guide” in their newfound fortune. At the time, there was also an increase in interracial marriages. With no regulation on tribal members’ estates, if something were to happened to an Osage member, their spouse and children would inherit their land and money. That’s when Osage members began to die under mysterious circumstances.
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Like the book, the film focuses on Ernest and Mollie Burkhart, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone. Like many Osage families, Mollie’s family suffered many tragic losses. That triggered a federal investigation led by FBI agent Tom White , played by Jesse Plemons. The movie was filmed in Oklahoma on the Osage Reservation. It will also feature authentic Osage language, clothing, and most importantly, people. Which can be seen in the trailer.
Killers of the Flower Moon also stars Robert DeNiro, Brendan Fraser, Tantoo Cardinal, Cara Jade Myers, Janae Collins, Tatanka Means and Michael Abbott Jr. Scorsese co-wrote the movie with Eric Roth and produced the film. DiCaprio is listed as an executive producer on the movie as well.
Killers of the Flower Moon will make its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, May 20. The film will premiere exclusively in select theaters on October 6, 2023. Then across the country on October 20 before streaming globally on Apple TV. Watch the trailer below.
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News Editor, Senior Contributor, and Press Editor. Coordinate breaking news, trailers and press releases. I also contribute reviews, recaps and interviews. Creator of the Indigenerd Wire, a column dedicated to the Indigenous creatives in pop culture.
GGA’s resident Indigenerd, a little bit rez, a little bit classy…with a love for all things Star Wars, zombies, science fiction, and Indigenous. My ultimate goal is to start my own podcast.