"Killers of the Flower Moon": Assessing Its Fulfillment of Expectations

Wow.

Impressive. Three hours and thirty-five minutes later, my thoughts on "Killers of the Flower Moon," originally penned by David Grann and now brought to life by Martin Scorsese, are a mix of awe and contemplation. This cinematic rendition delves into obscure and forgotten history, immersing itself in the intricate society of Osage land in Oklahoma.

Though it's been several months since I watched the film, its impact lingers in my thoughts—perhaps partly due to its formidable runtime... but also because I purchased the book directly after watching it. Amidst the unfolding narrative, I found myself not only loving the fluidity (incredulity?) of the storyline but also appreciating the cinematography. As a film lover (some may say enthusiast...), the meticulous camera work left me mesmerized, as each frame resonated with emotion and purpose.

To compliment this amazing camera-work, an incredible cast of actors were put together. Of these, my favorites were definitely Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, the two main characters. Their grapple with love, death, sickness, and secrets fueled the narrative; they were truly incredible. So for them, I rate the acting with a 6/5!

In terms of content, the film is great, though slightly long. While its three-and-a-half-hour duration captures a necessary amount of content, I couldn't help but ponder if a two-and-a-half-hour cut would have conveyed the message just as effectively. Nevertheless, the cinematic experience stands strong, earning a 5/5 for cinematography, a 4.5/5 for the storyline, and a 3.5/5 for its shock factor—though the real shock lies not just in the village's terrorism (I mean, just wait until you see that house explode!) but in the "never-before-seen-in-history" portrayal of settlers working for Indigenous people – the opposite of the typical "cowboy vs. Indian "narrative.

My absolute favorite part of the film was its ability to keep me engaged. The entire time I was attentive, awake, and captivated. So, does it meet expectations? Undoubtedly. Does it surpass them? That's a subjective call. Would I recommend it? For sure! – just not to children... they wouldn't be able to sit still through it.

4.7 / 5