‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is a dark comedy-thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, based on true events in the 1920s when members of the Osage tribe were killed for their wealth. In this article, we will explore the ending of the movie and uncover who is responsible for the murders of Mollie’s family. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Killers of the Flower Moon Storyline
The film revolves around Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio), a bumbling but kind-hearted army chef, who moves in with his uncle, King Bill Hale (Robert De Niro), in Fairfax. The Osage tribe, living in this area, has become wealthy due to the oil-filled reservation. Ernest falls for Mollie (Lily Gladstone), a charming member of the Osage community. However, Mollie’s sisters keep dying under mysterious circumstances, raising concerns about her family’s safety.
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ begins with the suspicious deaths of several Osage tribe members, either at the hands of White family members or mysterious men. As the killings continue, King Bill Hale orchestrates the murders of Mollie’s family by manipulating Ernest and his brother Bryan. It is revealed that the Osage tribe discovered oil on their land during a drought, which led to their prosperity and attracted envy from the White settlers.
The White settlers, envious of the Osage wealth, exploit a legal loophole. According to the law, if an Osage member dies, their assets and oil profits pass on to the next of kin, including a White spouse. Taking advantage of this, White men marry Osage women and then kill them to gain their headrights.
What happens to Ernest in Killers of the flower moon?
Ernest, driven by greed and a love for money, becomes entangled in King Hale’s plan. Unaware of the full extent of the conspiracy, Ernest initially believes he is protecting Mollie by participating in the murders. However, Hale manipulates him by claiming that if they are caught, Ernest will lose his family. This prompts Ernest to commit further acts of violence, including poisoning Mollie.
During the final poisoning attempt, Ernest, realizing the truth and consumed by guilt, drinks the poison himself instead of giving it to Mollie. He is subsequently arrested by the police. In custody, Ernest decides to confess everything and strikes a deal with the authorities to reveal the entire conspiracy.
Unraveling the Conspiracy
With the help of the investigating squad, led by Tom White and John Wren, the truth behind the murders starts to emerge. They interrogate accomplices, including the doctors who aided in the killings and Blackie, one of Hale’s henchmen. Through their investigation, the squad begins connecting the dots and uncovering Hale’s involvement.
Hale’s Desperate Measures
As Hale realizes the authorities are closing in on him, he attempts to tie up loose ends by eliminating his accomplices. He engineers accidents and betrayals, ensuring that his henchmen, like Henry Grammer and Acie Kirby, meet their demise. He even orders Blackie to kill Ernest, fearing that Ernest might reveal his secrets.
The Trial and Convictions
In the end, despite Hale’s efforts, the squad arrests him and brings him to trial. Ernest, initially manipulated by Hale’s lawyer, eventually testifies against him, revealing the truth and his own involvement in the crimes. Hale is convicted, but due to good behavior and possible bribery, he is later released. Ernest, his brother Bryan, and other accomplices receive various convictions, but Ernest is granted a pardon for his testimony.
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ concludes with the epilogue, where it is mentioned that the Shoun brothers, the doctors involved in the murders, escape persecution due to insufficient evidence. Hale, convicted but released, dies at the age of 87. Ernest and his brother live the remainder of their lives in a trailer park. Mollie divorces Ernest, remarries, and eventually dies from diabetes.
In summary, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ explores the dark and twisted conspiracy behind the murders of the Osage tribe members. The movie highlights the greed and manipulation that ultimately leads to the downfall of the perpetrators.
