Martin Scorsese’s latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon continues to prove Scorsese’s mastery of his craft. Based on 2017 book of the same name by David Grann, the story centers on a series of murders committed against the Osage Nation, following the discovery of oil on Osage land.

Beginning with a prologue by Osage elders, we learn of the decision to sell oil to the white men and the inevitable loss of culture that future generations will experience. The Osage lose a lot more, and at the hands of people they thought they could trust, one of them being William King Hale (Robert De Niro).

King’s nephew, Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), returns from the war to live with King and his brother Byron (Scott Shepherd). While working as a cab driver, Ernest meets Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), and soon begins to fall in love. Despite Ernest’s honest feelings for Mollie, King is set on bringing wealth back to their family and has more sinister plans set in place for the budding couple.

The film is really brought together by amazing performances from DiCaprio and Gladstone, who both share a lot of chemistry. However, despite the love Ernest has for Mollie, that doesn’t stop him from listening to his uncle, whether it be because of his gullibility or his uncle’s manipulation. Ernest’s conflicting feelings really added to the story’s heartbreak.

Despite the runtime being over three hours, not a single frame is wasted. It is both bleak and beautiful, and as each sinister act is revealed, your heart continues to break. However, I do wish we got to see more of Mollie’s story, especially considering how great of an actress Lily Gladstone is.

We give Killers of the Flower Moon a 4.5/5.