Killers of the Flower Moon

The elders of the Osage Nation hold a solemn ceremony to bury a sacred pipe, symbolizing the deep cultural ties and history of their people. This event reflects on the painful experiences of assimilation into White American culture and embodies the spirit of their ancestors.

As the vibrant 'flower moon' season unfolds in Oklahoma, several members of the Osage tribe make a remarkable discovery: oil erupting from the ground. This unexpected find leads to immense wealth for the tribe, as they maintain ownership of mineral rights and benefit from lucrative oil-lease revenues.

Returning from the harrowing experiences of World War I in 1919, Ernest Burkhart moves in with his brother Byron and their uncle William King Hale on the family ranch. Hale positions himself as a supporter of the Osage community while secretly harboring contempt for them.

During Hale’s influence, numerous Osage individuals suffer mysterious and untimely deaths. Investigations into these tragic incidents are lacking, and many victims are those possessing valuable oil head-rights, leading to growing paranoia within the Osage community.

In search of work, Ernest encounters Mollie Kyle, a member of the Osage tribe who holds oil head-rights due to her family's heritage. Mollie faces challenges accessing her funds, enduring pressures from an uncaring accountant while dealing with her mother's illness.

Ernest grows increasingly invested in Osage culture through his relationship with Mollie, culminating in their marriage. Their wedding beautifully integrates both Roman Catholic and Osage traditions, symbolizing their deepening bond and the merging of their worlds.

Hale coldly orchestrates a series of contract killings aimed at wealthy Osage individuals as part of his malevolent strategy. He targets Mollie's family, believing that the deaths would lead to Ernest inheriting greater wealth through additional head rights.

Tragedy strikes when Mollie's sister, Minnie, dies unexpectedly from an illness, transferring her head rights to her husband, Bill Smith. Hale manipulates Ernest into believing that Bill's death would offer further financial advantage, showcasing the depths of his greed.

As fear escalates among the Osage, members of the council begin to suspect local white residents of wrongdoing and seek vengeance. They decide to send Barney McBride to Washington, D.C. to request federal intervention, further highlighting the tensions between the communities.

Mollie's health deteriorates as she battles diabetes while witnessing her family's struggles. Hale's influence grows more sinister, as he schemes to undermine her efforts for assistance and strengthen his grip on the wealth of her family.

The Bureau of Investigation responds to the series of suspicious deaths within the Osage community, dispatching agent Thomas Bruce White Sr. and his team. The investigation gains momentum as eyewitness testimonies begin to connect Hale and Ernest to the crimes.

Despite her ailing health, Mollie takes a stand and rallies the Osage community, traveling to Washington to plead for assistance from President Calvin Coolidge. Unfortunately, Hale attempts to thwart her efforts by poisoning her insulin, a reflection of his desperate, malicious plans.

Amid the unraveling chaos, Ernest, driven by the desire to protect his children after witnessing devastating family losses, agrees to testify against Hale. In a profound moment of clarity, he chooses to come forward, risking his safety to bring justice to the Osage.

The investigation concludes with Hale and Ernest facing justice for their numerous crimes, both sentenced to life in prison. The Osage community demands accountability, reflecting the depth of their suffering and the desire for reparation following the tragic events.

In the film's conclusion, Mollie, profoundly impacted by her family's tragic history, relocates and eventually passes away at a young age. The final scenes pan over a modern Osage powwow dancing circle, representing the enduring spirit and resilience of the Osage Nation despite their tumultuous past.