Killers Of The Flower Moon Release Date, Cast, Characters, when And Where To Watch
Killers of the Flower Moon is set to premiere in theaters across North America on October 20, 2023. The film will also be available in IMAX. Initially, it was slated for a limited release on October 6, 2023, before expanding to a wider release on the later date. The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023, where it screened out of competition.
In an intriguing move, Apple has partnered with Paramount to provide the film with an exclusive theatrical release on October 20, 2023. This decision differs from the distribution strategy for Martin Scorsese’s previous film, The Irishman, which Netflix distributed in November 2019 with a limited theatrical release before its streaming launch. This time, Apple and Paramount aim to grant Killers of the Flower Moon a more extended and widely accessible theatrical window.
The film boasts an exceptional cast, led by Academy Award winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Their collaboration with Scorsese is iconic, marking their tenth film together. Their previous joint works include classics like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas. In Killers of the Flower Moon, De Niro plays William Hale, a villainous cattle rancher suspected of orchestrating murders targeting wealthy Osage tribe members. This film promises to add to the remarkable legacy of Scorsese and De Niro’s collaborations. Leonardo DiCaprio, another Scorsese favorite, takes on the role of Ernest Burkhart, Hale’s nephew. Burkhart grapples with loyalty conflicts between his Osage wife and powerful uncle.
The ensemble cast includes talented actors like Jesse Plemons as FBI agent Tom White, Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart, Brendan Fraser as lawyer W.S. Hamilton, John Lithgow as Prosecutor Leaward, and many others in various roles. This ensemble promises a compelling portrayal of the film’s complex narrative.
Martin Scorsese, a legendary filmmaker, directs Killers of the Flower Moon. He co-wrote the screenplay with Academy Award winner Eric Roth, adapting it from David Grann’s bestselling book. Scorsese collaborates with his trusted team, including editor Thelma Schoonmaker, cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, and music producer Robbie Robertson.
The film’s production team includes Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, and Daniel Lupi as producers, with Leonardo DiCaprio serving as an executive producer alongside other industry veterans.
Scorsese’s commitment to authenticity and respect for the Osage Nation is evident in the film’s production. Indigenous actors were cast as Osage characters, and with the tribe’s permission, scenes were filmed on Osage land. Collaboration with Osage Tribe representatives ensured that the story was told with cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy.
Killers of the Flower Moon delves into the dark and tragic true story of the plot to murder nearly sixty members of the Osage tribe from 1921 to 1925. These murders followed the immense wealth accumulated by the Osage Nation due to oil deposits on their land. The film explores themes of racism, betrayal, and greed as it uncovers a complex conspiracy led by William Hale to seize control of Osage oil. FBI agent Tom White plays a pivotal role in uncovering the truth.
According to Apple, the film’s official plot synopsis reveals that it revolves around the improbable romance between Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle amid a backdrop of unspeakable betrayal. It promises to be an epic western crime saga, featuring not only Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro but also Jesse Plemons.
Filming for Killers of the Flower Moon commenced in April 2021 in Oklahoma. Scorsese’s decision to shoot on location adds an authentic touch to the film. His statement emphasizes the importance of portraying this historical period and events accurately.
With a runtime of 3 hours and 26 minutes, Killers of the Flower Moon ranks as one of Scorsese’s longer films, second only to The Irishman. This extended runtime suggests a deep exploration of the complex narrative and characters, promising a cinematic experience that captures the gravity of the story. In summary, Killers of the Flower Moon is a highly anticipated film with an outstanding cast, a commitment to cultural sensitivity, and the hallmark style of director Martin Scorsese. Its release promises to be a significant cinematic event in 2023.