Killers of the Flower Moon holds an impressive 92% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic “Must-See” score of 89, reflecting near-universal acclaim for Martin Scorsese’s 2023 historical epic. Critics have lauded the film as a masterful interrogation of American greed and systemic racism, particularly highlighting the breakout performance of Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart. While the film’s massive 206-minute runtime was a point of contention for some viewers, the consensus among professional reviewers is that the length is justified by the film’s sprawling, multi-generational scope and its commitment to historical accuracy regarding the Osage Nation. As of early 2026, the film is widely regarded as a modern masterpiece, bolstered by its ten Academy Award nominations and a definitive 2026 Criterion Collection release that has introduced new behind-the-scenes perspectives from Osage consultants.
Critical Consensus: Mastery and Malice
The initial reviews for Killers of the Flower Moon focused on Martin Scorsese’s pivot from the traditional “whodunit” structure found in David Grann’s non-fiction book to a “whydunit” character study. Critics noted that by revealing the villains—William King Hale and Ernest Burkhart—from the outset, Scorsese created a suffocating atmosphere of dramatic irony.
Reviewers frequently used words like “staggering,” “unrelenting,” and “vital” to describe the narrative. The New York Times described it as a blend of several genres, including the Western, the domestic drama, and the police procedural, while IndieWire claimed it featured the best performance of Leonardo DiCaprio’s career. The film’s ability to maintain tension over three and a half hours was cited as a testament to the editing of longtime Scorsese collaborator Thelma Schoonmaker.
Lily Gladstone’s Breakout Performance
If there is one aspect of the film that achieved unanimous praise, it was the portrayal of Mollie Burkhart by Lily Gladstone. Reviews highlighted how Gladstone served as the “still, moral center” of a film otherwise populated by frantic, violent men.
Gladstone’s performance was noted for its “power of privacy,” conveying deep grief and suspicion through subtle facial expressions rather than grand monologues. Her win for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama at the 2024 Golden Globes solidified her as the film’s breakout star. Critics argued that the film’s emotional weight rests entirely on her shoulders, especially during the final hour as her character’s health declines.
The 206-Minute Runtime Debate
The film’s duration of 3 hours and 26 minutes was perhaps the most debated element in audience reviews. While many critics argued that the runtime was “earned” through its dense plotting and cultural immersion, some viewers found the second act to be “painfully slow.”
Supporters: Argued that the length creates a “respite from real life” and allows the tragedy to breathe, making the eventual violence more impactful.
Critics: Suggested that the film lacked a “storyline hook” in the middle section and could have been more effective as a limited miniseries.
Scorsese’s Defense: The director famously defended the length by comparing it to theater or a “binge-watching” session, asking audiences to give cinema the same “respect.”
Osage Nation and Indigenous Perspectives
The reviews from Indigenous critics and members of the Osage Nation provided a necessary and nuanced layer to the film’s reception. Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear and other consultants praised the film’s cultural accuracy, specifically the use of the Osage language and authentic clothing.
However, some criticism emerged regarding the focus of the story. Certain Indigenous voices, such as Reservation Dogs star Devery Jacobs, felt the movie was “painfully graphic” and prioritized the perspective of the white killers over the Osage victims. These reviews noted that while Scorsese was respectful, the film remains an “outsider’s perspective” that occasionally sidelines Mollie’s agency in favor of Ernest’s moral conflict.
Practical Information and Viewing in 2026
For those looking to watch or study Killers of the Flower Moon today, the landscape has changed significantly since its 2023 theatrical run.
Where to Watch: The film is a permanent fixture on Apple TV+.
Physical Media: A landmark Criterion Collection 4K UHD edition was released on March 24, 2026, featuring new documentaries and Osage commentary.
Recommended Reading: It is highly recommended to read David Grann’s original book to understand the “FBI-procedural” elements that Scorsese intentionally omitted.
Content Warning: The film is rated R for “grisly images, violence, and language.” It is a heavy watch that deals with historical trauma.
2026 Legacy: The “Criterion Effect”
In early 2026, the film’s critical standing has seen a resurgence thanks to its entry into the Criterion Collection. This release has shifted the conversation toward the technical “making of” the film, including the thrumming, bluegrass-infused score by the late Robbie Robertson.
New reviews based on the Criterion supplements highlight the “radio play” ending—a daring cameo by Scorsese himself—as one of the most self-reflective moments in his filmography. This scene is now viewed by critics as a direct apology and acknowledgement that some stories can never be fully captured by an outsider.
FAQs
What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for Killers of the Flower Moon?
The film holds a 92% critic score and an 84% audience score, making it one of the most highly-rated films of the decade.
Is the film better than the book?
They are different experiences; the book is a procedural whodunit focusing on the FBI, while the movie is a character-driven tragedy focusing on the Osage.
Did Lily Gladstone win an Oscar?
Lily Gladstone was nominated for Best Actress, making history as the first Native American nominee in that category, though she narrowly lost to Emma Stone.
Why is the movie so long?
Martin Scorsese designed the 206-minute runtime to immerse the audience in the “rhythm of life” in Osage County and to reflect the slow, systemic nature of the crimes.
How accurate is the movie to Osage history?
It is considered highly accurate in terms of language, costuming, and the depiction of the “guardianship” system, thanks to extensive collaboration with the Osage Nation.
What do Osage people think of the movie?
Reviews within the Osage community are mixed but generally positive; many appreciate the visibility, while some wish the story had been told by an Indigenous director.
Where can I stream Killers of the Flower Moon in 2026?
It is currently available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+.
Who plays the main villain?
Robert De Niro plays William “King” Hale, the manipulative mastermind behind the murders.
What was the budget for the film?
The film had a massive $200 million budget, co-financed by Apple and Paramount.
Is there a “Director’s Cut” of the movie?
No, the theatrical release is considered the definitive version, though the 2026 Criterion release includes extensive deleted scenes and documentaries.
What is the meaning of the ending?
The ending features a radio play that dramatizes the aftermath of the trial, concluding with Martin Scorsese himself reading Mollie Burkhart’s obituary to remind us that these were real lives, not just entertainment.
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