Native perspectives on Killers of the Flower Moon: A crucial insight

Lily Gladstone, star of Killers of the Flower Moon, has emphasized the importance of hearing Native American reactions to the film. Martin Scorsese's latest film has garnered mixed reviews from both the critics and the audience.

The award-winning movie "Killers of the Flower Moon" is based on the 2017 non-fiction book of the same name, and it tells the story of a series of murders of Osage members in the Osage Nation following an oil discovery on tribal land. Despite retaining mineral rights, local corrupt white men conspired to steal their wealth. Reservation Dogs actor Devery Jacobs, a Native American, has been critical of the movie, and now one of its stars, Lily Gladstone, has responded to her comments about the portrayal of Native people in the film.

Gladstone expresses the importance of listening to Native voices

When the movie premiered last October, Jacobs took to X (formerly Twitter) and explained that watching the movie “felt like hellfire.”

Despite this, Jacobs praised Gladstone's performance in the film, calling for her to receive an Oscar and stating that the only redeeming aspect of the film was the Native actors.

Gladstone has addressed Jacobs' criticism in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, stating that Jacobs' reaction is her own, and is likely a response to the trauma felt by many Native women when encountering this type of content for the first time. Gladstone emphasized that she spent a lot of time acclimating herself to the script, while the Osage people have had generations to understand this history. She also highlighted that the film's production allowed many people to share their perspectives, and ultimately, the Osage community's reaction is what matters most to her.

Gladstone strongly believes that Native women and youth should watch the film, but only if they feel comfortable and are with people they trust. She acknowledges that they may have a lot of generational grief to work through, and reassures them that they are not alone. Despite not getting Native representation perfect, Killers of the Flower Moon tells important stories that have been overlooked by Hollywood for too long.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I believe it is crucial to listen to and understand the perspectives of Native Americans regarding the film "Killers of the Flower Moon." Lily Gladstone's emphasis on the importance of hearing their voices resonates deeply with me. It is essential to acknowledge the trauma and pain that Native communities have endured, and to approach their experiences with empathy and respect.

Devery Jacobs' criticism of the film highlights the need for accurate and sensitive representation of Native people in media. The fact that she found the movie difficult to watch due to its depiction of atrocities against her ancestors is a valid and understandable reaction. It is important for filmmakers to engage with Native communities and incorporate their perspectives into their work, ensuring that their stories are told with authenticity and respect.