“Can you find the wolves in this picture?”

This question — featured in a caption accompanying a book illustration on the Osage that Ernest Burkhart (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) is reading in the first act — looms throughout “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the newest film from Martin Scorsese.

This film chronicles the series of murders that plagued the Osage Nation. These murders, which occurred in Oklahoma from the late 1910s to the late 1920s–early 1930s, are known as the Reign of Terror. 

After serving in World War I, Ernest Burkhart travels to Oklahoma to reside with his uncle, the wealthy William King Hale. While in the area working as a cab driver, Ernest encountered Mollie, a local Osage woman whom he soon married. Soon after this, tragedy moves in full motion for the region. 

In his portrayal of Ernest Burkhart, Leonardo DiCaprio gives one of his greatest performances yet, a squirmy, cowardly man whom his uncle easily manipulates to commit heinous and unspeakable acts against the Osage and those in Hale’s way.

Photo of “Killer of the Full Moon” movie poster. (Contributed/Amazon.com)

Robert De Niro’s performance as William King Hale is truly phenomenal. As King Hale, De Niro portrays a diabolical figure whose parasitic greed infests his entire consciousness, resulting in him manipulating those around him to do his bidding. The viewer is left baffled by the pure callousness of this figure. 

Lily Gladstone gives one of the best performances of the year as Mollie Burkhart. Gladstone (who most recently starred in Kelly Reichardt’s 2019 film “First Cow” and two episodes of the television series “Reservation Dogs”) brings depth and emotion in her portrayal of Mollie. In a scene in the third act she heartbreakingly states to Ernest, “I don’t even know if you love me anymore.” 

Along with the three main actors, there is also a fantastic ensemble of performers. Mollie’s sisters, Anna, Rita and Minnie, are played by Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins and Jillian Dion. Tatanka Means portrays John Wren, a newcomer to the area. Everett Waller, as Paul Red Eagle, delivers a powerful monologue, chastising the lack of investigation into the murders and demanding justice. Louis Cancelmi plays Kelsie Morrison, a cold sociopath who speaks in a matter-of-fact tone. 

Scorsese examines a tragic and seldom discussed event in history. He is unforgiving when showing the true evil behind the slaughter. He offers a tremendous amount of respect in depicting the Osage people (as he received the blessing from Osage Nation officials and had Osage consultants on set). With Scorsese at the helm, there were also perfect music choices, such as the utilization of blues musician Blind Willie Johnson’s haunting hymn, “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” — accompaning a sequence featuring silhouettes within a fiery inferno, a testament to the visuals captured by cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto. 

The late Robbie Robertson also composed a fantastic final score that blends the roots rock style of music with influences from indigenous music. The soundtrack includes a haunting piece entitled “Wahzhazhe” (“A Song for My People”), performed by Osage Tribal Singers.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” examines pure evil unpunished, a searing indictment of the failure of the justice system. This film should be required viewing for all Americans and taught in history classes across the country. With outstanding direction from Scorsese, a genuinely amazing ensemble cast and a fantastic soundtrack from the late Robbie Robertson, it is one of the best films of the year.  

It is quite easy to spot the wolves in this picture. 

“Killers of the Flower Moon” is currently playing in theaters.

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