– Masterfully Made, But It Didn’t Land for Me
Killers of the Flower Moon is one of those films that, on paper and in execution, is firing on all cylinders—outstanding acting, impeccable direction, and clear dedication to telling a historically significant story. And yet, for me, it just didn’t connect the way I’d hoped.
The acting is absolutely standout. Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone all give powerhouse performances. Gladstone in particular brings a quiet strength to the film that stays with you. The production quality is equally impressive. Scorsese’s attention to detail is on full display, and there’s no denying that this is a beautifully crafted film in terms of cinematography, costuming, and atmosphere.
But where it lost me was in the story and pacing. Based on the trailer, I was expecting a tense crime thriller with a strong suspense element—and that’s not what this film is. This is a slow-burning drama that leans far more into historical weight and character study than suspense or momentum. That’s not a flaw—it just wasn’t what I was anticipating.
I also found it hard to get past how frustratingly dumb some of the characters were in the choices they made. Maybe that’s how things actually unfolded, and maybe that’s part of the commentary. But from an entertainment perspective, it made large portions of the film hard to sit through. It’s not that I needed likable characters—I just needed decisions that didn’t make me want to yell at the screen.
I know this film will be a home run for many—it’s thoughtful, beautifully made, and undeniably important. I can appreciate the artistry. In the end, Killers of the Flower Moon is a masterclass in filmmaking, but not a story that truly grabbed me.
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