Killers of the Flower Moon
Killers of the Flower Moon is a 2023 epic anti-Western crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the 2017 nonfiction book by David Grann. Set in 1920s Oklahoma, the film chronicles the systematic murders of wealthy Osage Nation members after oil was discovered on their tribal land, and the subsequent investigation by the Bureau of Investigation (later the FBI). The narrative explores themes of greed, betrayal, and the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, primarily focusing on the manipulative relationship between Ernest Burkhart and his Osage wife, Mollie Kyle. This film is intended for mature audiences due to its graphic depiction of historical violence and complex moral themes.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe film contains extensive and graphic violence, central to the plot of the Osage murders. It features numerous depictions of killings, including shootings, explosions, poisonings, and physical beatings, often with visible blood and detailed injuries. The cumulative effect of the violence is described as painful and unrelenting by some viewers.
The movie includes multiple graphic depictions of violence. For instance, 'guns are used for robberies, bank heists, and daylight murders and we see blood spurts when people are shot'. A particularly disturbing scene involves an explosion destroying a home, showing a man screaming, burned, and bloody beneath rubble, and his wife's dead body with a 'gory wound at the back of her head,' followed by the discovery of a 'bloodied dismembered hand' at the site. Additionally, Osage people are systematically murdered through various means, including being 'slowly poisoned by white family members tampering with their medication'.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film contains highly intense and disturbing content, stemming from its true-crime narrative of systemic murder and betrayal. This includes graphic violence, scenes of terror and suspense related to the ongoing murders, and emotionally harrowing situations involving torture, poisoning, and the targeting of innocent individuals. The historical footage of the Tulsa massacre also contributes to the intense nature.
The film's atmosphere is intensely unsettling due to the pervasive threat and systematic targeting of the Osage. White characters are shown executing a 'long-running scheme to marry and murder indigenous women' and 'Osage people are slowly poisoned by white family members tampering with their medication'. Scenes like a man pleading to be shot after being injured in an explosion and the inclusion of 'real footage of the Tulsa massacre which include images of burning buildings' contribute to the film's high intensity and disturbing nature.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighA core theme of the film is the profound disrespect, manipulation, and systematic oppression of the Osage Nation by white interlopers driven by greed. This includes overt racism, derogatory language, exploitation, and extreme acts of violence and betrayal against Indigenous people.
The film portrays pervasive disrespect and systemic rebellion against Indigenous rights. White characters frequently use derogatory terms like 'reds' and 'savages' towards Native Americans, and 'half-breeds' or 'half-ass savages' for children of mixed heritage. The plot itself is centered on a 'long-running plot to acquire their wealth' through manipulation and murder. Furthermore, Indigenous graves are desecrated, and people are robbed at gunpoint, demonstrating profound disrespect and exploitation.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film itself does not explicitly feature LGBTQ+ characters or storylines within its narrative. However, Lily Gladstone, the lead actress who portrays Mollie Kyle, publicly identifies as 'middle-gendered' and a member of the LGBTQ community, using both 'she' and 'they' pronouns as a form of decolonizing gender. Director Martin Scorsese has also expressed support for the LGBTQ community in interviews, acknowledging family members who are part of it and executive producing an LGBTQ ministry documentary.
Lily Gladstone, the acclaimed lead actress starring as Mollie Kyle, has publicly identified as 'middle-gendered' and uses both 'she' and 'they' pronouns, stating this choice is 'partly a way of decolonizing gender for myself'. Gladstone has also stated she is a member of the LGBTQ community and has referred to herself as queer. Furthermore, director Martin Scorsese has publicly discussed his support for the LGBTQ community, noting that some members of his family are LGBTQ and that he executive produced 'Building a Bridge,' a documentary about LGBTQ ministry.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe film features a central 'improbable romance' between Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle. While there are implied intimate moments and some verbal sexual innuendo, explicit sexual acts or graphic nudity are not shown. There are discussions among characters about ideal sexual partners and arguments related to an affair.
The primary romantic plot revolves around Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle, portrayed as an 'improbable romance'. While their relationship is a central focus, sexual content is generally implied rather than explicit. The film includes 'verbal sexual innuendo'. Additionally, male characters are shown discussing their 'ideal sexual partner,' and a man and a woman are depicted arguing in an explicit manner about their affair.
Profanity
MediumThe movie contains instances of strong language, though described as infrequent or occasional. Profanity includes expletives such as 'f**k,' 'bitch,' and other milder curse words, used in various contexts throughout the dialogue.
Profanity is present, with 'infrequent use of strong language ('f**k'), use of 'bitch,' and use of milder terms including 'shit,' 'bullshit,' 'hell,' 'God' and 'damn''. Specific examples cited include phrases like 'bullsh*t,' 'stupid stubborn b*tch,' 'f**k yourself,' and 'f**k a duck'. This language is sometimes used as exclamation or in heated discussions.
Substance Use
MediumSubstance use, primarily alcohol consumption, is frequently depicted throughout the film. Characters are shown drinking in various social and personal settings. There are also references to illegal drug sales, specifically cocaine.
Characters, most notably Ernest Burkhart and William King Hale, are frequently seen consuming alcohol in many scenes, reflecting the historical period and cultural context. Beyond alcohol, the film includes 'infrequent drug references to the sale of cocaine', indicating the presence of illicit drug activity within the narrative, although direct usage is not explicitly shown in graphic detail.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no explicit depiction of witchcraft, sorcery, magic rituals, or demonic activity in the film. Some cultural elements of the Osage people, such as 'visions of ancestors and totem spirits,' are briefly shown, but these are presented as cultural tropes rather than active occult practices designed to harm or manipulate.
The film does not contain explicit scenes of witchcraft or occult practices. The only relevant mentions pertain to cultural elements, such as 'scenes of the Osage engaging in “visions” of ancestors and totem spirits'. These are presented within the context of Osage culture, and not as active sorcery or black magic affecting the plot.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes, mockery of Christian beliefs, or sacrilegious acts. While it explores profound moral failings and historical injustices, these are not framed as criticisms of Christianity itself, nor does the narrative promote anti-Christian messages.
There are no instances within the film's narrative where characters openly mock or insult Christian beliefs, nor are there depictions of violent or sacrilegious acts against Christian symbols or figures. The film's critical lens is applied to human greed and systemic injustice, rather than specific religious doctrines or practices, remaining neutral on explicit anti-Christian messaging.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The film is rated R by the MPAA and is generally recommended for audiences aged 17 and older. This is due to pervasive strong violence, including graphic injury detail, murder, and scenes of poisoning, as well as instances of strong language, verbal sexual innuendo, and mature thematic elements involving systemic racism and historical exploitation. The extended runtime of over three hours also requires a significant attention span suitable for mature viewers.
Additional Notes
The film has a considerable runtime of 3 hours and 26 minutes, which may be challenging for some viewers. Viewers should be prepared for a historically accurate, albeit difficult, portrayal of racial violence and systemic corruption. Some Indigenous viewers have critiqued the film for its graphic violence and the foregrounding of white characters despite Osage involvement in the production.
Related Reviews
Is Killers of the Flower Moon right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required