"Killers of the Flower Moon," a film that delves into a somber episode of America's past concerning its indigenous people, has been shedding light on a grievous segment of history since its release on October 20. This narrative, rooted in the harrowing experiences of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma during the 1920s, is set to expand its reach with its availability for streaming on Apple TV+ as of Friday, January 12.
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The Osage Nation, in the early 20th century, found itself at the center of a nefarious plot due to its lucrative oil-rich lands. The community, one of the wealthiest in the United States at the time, faced a series of brutal murders as outsiders schemed to inherit the Osage headright — a right to partake in the financial benefits from these lands. This period, often referred to as The Reign of Terror, reflects a painful and manipulative chapter in the treatment of indigenous peoples in America.
Bringing this poignant story to the screen is none other than Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese. His latest drama, an adaptation of David Grann's true-crime novel of the same name, offers a cinematic portrayal of this dark time in American history. As the film becomes more widely accessible, audiences are eager to see how the talented cast brings depth and emotion to this powerful and moving story.
Robert De Niro as William Hale
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Leading the cast is Robert De Niro as William Hale, the infamous cattleman of Hale Ranch and mastermind behind many of the Osage murders. Hale is one of the few people convicted of the crimes against the Osage and is believed to be responsible for countless other murders that remain unsolved. A special agent once wrote that he "dominated local politics and seemingly could not be punished for any of the many crimes which were laid at his door."
Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart
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Leonardo DiCaprio plays Ernest Burkhart, a nephew of William Hale who marries Osage member Mollie King at the insistence of his uncle — and with the intention of inheriting her headright by any means necessary. Burkhart is described in history books as "subservient" to Hale and instrumental in the multiple murders of his new family.
Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart
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Lily Gladstone takes on the role of Mollie Burkhart, a young Osage woman who marries Ernest and becomes ensnared in his uncle's cruel plan. Burkhart was instrumental in uncovering the conspiracy that was taking place against her people. Initially, Mollie's role in the film was brief, but Gladstone was so impressive that Scorsese significantly increased her role. She went on to land the Best Actress award at the Golden Globes.
Jesse Plemons as Tom White
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Jesse Plemons plays Tom White, a special agent for the Bureau of Investigation — the predecessor to the FBI — which played an important role in uncovering and prosecuting those responsible for the Osage murders. He's described in Grann's books as a"disciplined and determined agent" who "prided himself on the fact that he had never killed anyone in the line of duty."
Tantoo Cardinal as Lizzie Q
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Bringing to life the character of Lizzie Q is none other than Tantoo Cardinal, who plays the role of Mollie Burkhart's mother. When her daughter, Anna Brown, is found dead, Lizzie is awarded her headright -- making her a prime target for those wanting to get their hands on Osage wealth.
John Lithgow as Prosecutor Leaward
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Playing one of the few characters not based on a real-life figure in the story is John Lithgow as Prosecutor Leaward. He shows up in the third act of the film to prosecute Hale.
Brendan Fraser as W.S. Hamilton
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Another fictitious character in the film is W.S. Hamilton — played by Brendan Fraser. It's a brief role, but Hamilton is the loud lawyer who represents. Robert De Niro's character, William Hale.
Cara Jade Myers as Anna Kyle Brown
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It's not 100% clear who was the first person to be slain in the Osage murders, but Anna Kyle Brown was undoubtedly the victim who sparked the investigation into what was really going on. Newcomer Cara Jade Myers plays this pivotal role in the film.
Janae Collins as Rita
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Another member of the Osage family at the center of the story is Rita, the daughter of Lizzie Q and sister to Anna and Mollie. The character is played by Janae Collins, marking her feature film debut.
Jillian Dion as Minnie
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The fourth daughter of Lizzie Q sadly met her untimely fate a few years before the other members of the family. While her death was said to have been caused by "a peculiar wasting illness," Minnie's passing was definitely suspicious. Actress Jillian Dion plays her in the film.
William Belleau as Henry Roan
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Also known as Henry Roan Horse, Henry Roan was Anna Kyle Brown's cousin who had financial ties to Hale. He was a pivotal figure in the case, as Hale fraudulently made himself out to be Roan's guardian in order to gain control of his headright. William Belleau takes on the role of Roan in Scorsese's latest drama.
Sturgill Simpson as Henry Grammer
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Country singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson appears in the film as Henry Grammer, a bootlegger and rodeo champion. Simpson is no stranger to film roles. The "Turtles All the Way Down" singer has appeared in "The Dead Don't Die," "Queen & Slim" and "The Hunt."
Jason Isbell as Bill Smith
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Americana singer-songwriter Jason Isbell portrays Bill Smith, the white husband of an Osage woman who is killed. Isbell previously appeared as an extra in "Deadwood: The Movie" and voiced Pastor Nubbins in the animated series "Squidbillies."
Where Do I Watch 'Killers of the Flower Moon?
With such a talented cast and a gripping true-crime story to tell, "Killers of the Flower Moon" is sure to be an unmissable movie. On January 12, Apple TV+ subscribers will be able to stream the film. It is also available for rental or purchase on video-on-demand services such as YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
