Killers of the Flower Moon

Now, as the story concludes, the true horror of the Osage murders becomes painfully clear. Ernest Burkhart, initially motivated by greed, is driven to testify against his uncle, William Hale, after realizing the consequences of their actions and fearing prison for his involvement. His confession reveals that Hale orchestrated the murders of Mollie’s family and others to take control of their wealth, embodying greed and cruelty at its worst. Ernest’s admission is a turning point—though he claims to love Mollie, his participation in the killings was ultimately for selfish reasons, and he only betrayed Hale when his own life was threatened. Throughout the film, Hale’s manipulative cunning is on full display, as he wielded power over law enforcement and the community, escaping justice for most of his life. Despite his heinous crimes, Hale was released early from prison in 1947, demonstrating how deeply entrenched corruption and racial injustice were at the time. The film ends with Mollie leaving Ernest after discovering his betrayal, asserting her strength and dignity in the face of betrayal. Her decision to divorce Ernest marks her reclaiming her agency, as she refuses to be a pawn in a system that dehumanized her community. Mollie’s life after the ordeal, marked by widowhood and hardship, underscores the lasting scars of the violence inflicted upon her people. The story concludes on a somber note, illustrating how greed, racism, and indifference allowed such atrocities to happen, and leaving viewers with a haunting reflection on the persistent injustice faced by Indigenous communities in America. Ultimately, the film shows that true justice remains elusive for the Osage, as those who committed horrific crimes often escaped full accountability, leaving behind a legacy of pain and unresolved grief.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44