Killers of the Flower Moon remains one of the most talked-about films in contemporary American cinema nearly two years after its release. The movie continues to generate news, discussion, acclaim and renewed cultural relevance through special releases, influential retrospectives, discussions among industry figures, and ongoing engagement with the story’s real-life historical roots.
As audiences continue to revisit the film’s haunting exploration of greed, power, and injustice in 1920s Oklahoma, Killers of the Flower Moon’s impact continues to grow. This article provides the latest verified updates, cultural developments, industry news, and enduring legacy of the film as of December 2025.
Table of Contents
What Is Killers of the Flower Moon?
Killers of the Flower Moon is a sweeping historical crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese that premiered in 2023. The film is adapted from a bestselling nonfiction book about the Osage murders, a series of brutal crimes in the 1920s in which members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma were targeted and killed after oil was discovered on tribal land, making the Osage people some of the richest in the world at the time.
The movie stars an ensemble cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro, and weaves a complex story of betrayal, systemic racism, corruption and the early involvement of federal law enforcement to stop the killings. The film’s narrative explores how greed and entitlement drove one of the darkest chapters in American history.
Recent Headlines: What’s New in Late 2025
Criterion Collection Adds Killers of the Flower Moon in 4K
One of the most significant developments in late 2025 is that Killers of the Flower Moon has been announced for release in the Criterion Collection on 4K Blu-ray, scheduled for March 24, 2026. This release is a major milestone for the film, positioning it among some of the most acclaimed works in cinematic history.
The Criterion edition will feature upgraded visuals, remastered image quality and collectible packaging, giving audiences the opportunity to experience the film in the highest available home media format. Fans and collectors view this as confirmation of the film’s importance in the history of 21st-century cinema.
Leonardo DiCaprio Reflects on Working With Scorsese
In a recent public conversation, Leonardo DiCaprio shared that he has one rare regret about his extensive collaboration with director Martin Scorsese. Though he has worked with Scorsese on six features, including Killers of the Flower Moon, DiCaprio expressed regret that he didn’t spend more time learning from Scorsese’s directing process.
DiCaprio praised Scorsese’s work ethic and craft, noting the director’s meticulous approach to filmmaking. Their partnership, which began in 2002 and spans films like Gangs of New York, The Departed, and Shutter Island, now prepares for a seventh project together slated to begin filming in early 2026.
Continued Attention in Awards and Rankings
Even though Killers of the Flower Moon did not secure wins at the Academy Awards despite earning 10 nominations, the film continues to be recognized in many other venues. Critics and industry observers frequently cite the film as one of the definitive motion pictures of recent years.
Beyond the Oscars, the movie won several major accolades in other award circuits and critics’ group polls. One of its wins included Best Film at respected critics’ award events. These achievements help sustain the film’s reputation as an artistic and cultural benchmark, particularly its direction, performances and historical resonance.
Killers of the Flower Moon also consistently appears in lists of the best movies of the decade, and discussions continue about its role in reshaping how films depict systemic injustice in American history.
Cultural and Academic Engagement
New Photo Book Release by Osage Media
In 2025, the Osage Nation’s independent media released a special photo book titled The Making of Killers of the Flower Moon. This 190-page collection offers rare insights into the film’s production and its interactions with the Osage community in Oklahoma.
The book provides photographs, personal narratives, local reflections and behind-the-scenes documentation that emphasize the real cultural and social impact the film had locally. Rather than just a Hollywood artifact, this release serves as a historical record of community involvement and representation during one of the most significant film productions to take place on Osage land.
Audience & Streaming Presence
Killers of the Flower Moon continues to be widely watched on major streaming platforms, where audiences revisit the film or discover it for the first time. Its presence on streaming charts and recommendations lists reflects ongoing viewer interest.
The movie’s runtime, story depth and powerful performances make it a standout choice for viewers looking for thoughtful, historically grounded cinema. Members of the public who may have missed the theatrical release now engage with the film through digital platforms, fueling continuous discussion.
Why Killers of the Flower Moon Still Matters in 2025
Historical Awareness and Representation
At its core, Killers of the Flower Moon brought the largely forgotten story of the Osage murders to a global audience. The film shined a spotlight on how systemic discrimination, exploitation and racial violence were woven into American history.
By dramatizing these events, the movie encouraged new conversations about historical injustices that many viewers never encountered in school or popular media. Educators, community leaders and cultural commentators continue to reference the film as a gateway to deeper inquiry into Indigenous history and American legal evolution.
Industry Impact
Within the film industry, Killers of the Flower Moon stands out for its scale, ambition and narrative risk. It demonstrates how historical storytelling can be both commercially successful and artistically bold.
The movie’s critical legacy also contributes to ongoing debates about representation and narrative agency in Hollywood. Discussion among industry voices about how the story could be expanded, adapted differently or revisited in other formats — such as the idea proposed by filmmaker Jodie Foster that the material could have worked as a longer streaming series — testifies to the richness of the source material and the cultural appetite for deeper storytelling.
The Performances That Defined the Film
Lily Gladstone’s Historic Achievement
Lily Gladstone’s performance as Mollie Burkhart is widely regarded as one of the most powerful of the decade. Her portrayal captured emotional nuance, resilience and depth, and was a key reason many audiences and critics connected with the story’s human center.
Gladstone’s awards recognition, including historic wins and nominations, reflects not only her performance but also broader cultural milestones in representation. She became one of the most celebrated Indigenous actors in modern award history.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro
Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a layered performance as Ernest Burkhart, portraying the complexities of a character caught between loyalty, love, and moral conflict. His work continues to be discussed by fans and critics as one of his most nuanced roles.
Robert De Niro, portraying influential antagonist William Hale, added gravitas to the film’s depiction of exploitation and corruption. The ensemble cast’s chemistry and commitment helped elevate the story beyond a single perspective, making it a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant experience.
Critics and Audience Reactions in Retrospect
Even years after its release, Killers of the Flower Moon holds high ratings from critics and audiences alike. Its thoughtful direction, cinematography and unflinching depiction of violence and injustice contribute to its strong reputation.
Audience discussions frequently focus on the film’s thematic depth — especially its examination of American capitalism, complicity, and the scars of systemic oppression. Many film lovers describe it as a challenging yet necessary piece of cinema that yields new insight with each viewing.
Public Discussion and Interpretation
One of the more interesting aspects of the film’s ongoing relevance is the range of interpretations and dialogues it inspires. From academic panels to community forums, Killers of the Flower Moon acts as a springboard for discussions about history, ethics and power.
Public commentary reflects a mix of admiration for the film’s craft and critical engagement with its interpretation of complex historical events. Some voices call for even more focus on Indigenous perspectives, while others praise the film for introducing this story to millions who otherwise might never have known it.
Future Projects and Legacy
Killers of the Flower MoonScorsese and DiCaprio: What’s Next?
Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio’s creative partnership continues, with plans for a new project beginning production in 2026. While details remain under wraps, the continued collaboration of these two giants of cinema promises further conversation in the industry and among audiences.
Their past work together, including Killers of the Flower Moon, underscores their shared commitment to ambitious storytelling and deeply human narratives.
Enduring Cultural Footprint
More than just a film, Killers of the Flower Moon has become a cultural landmark. Its continued presence in home media, streaming, industry retrospectives, academic conversations and public remembrance solidifies its status as one of the defining movies of the early 21st century.
The film’s exploration of real historical tragedy resonates with ongoing American debates about memory, justice and reconciliation. Viewers continue to return to its scenes, performances and themes, finding layers of meaning and renewed relevance with each discussion.
What did Killers of the Flower Moon make you think about? Share your perspective in the comments and stay tuned for more updates.