You Are Not Alone: The Powerful Message of Lily Gladstone in Killers Of The Flower Moon to Native Audiences

Article Overview

Lily Gladstone urges Native viewers to watch Killers of the Flower Moon only if they feel ready, acknowledging the generational grief it may bring.

She offers mental health resources that specifically cater to Native individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary support while grappling with the film's subject matter.

During the journey of learning and healing from the film's narrative, Gladstone underscores the significance of practicing kindness and gentleness towards one another.

Lily Gladstone, the star of Killers of the Flower Moon, shares a message with the film's Native audience on Twitter. In the movie, Gladstone portrays Mollie Burkhart, a central figure from the Osage Nation. Directed by Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon has received widespread praise from critics throughout its theatrical release.

Killers of the Flower Moon Has Garnered Mixed Reactions from Native Viewers

In a series of eleven tweets, Gladstone emphasized the importance of self-care and individual readiness when it comes to watching "Killers of the Flower Moon". She specifically addressed Native Women & Youth, advising them to only view the film if they feel prepared to do so. Additionally, she shared valuable mental health resources targeted towards Native individuals. Gladstone urged Native viewers to recognize the existence of culturally appropriate, confidential, and available support services, such as the "We R Native" hotline and the 988 lifeline, which specifically address sexual and domestic violence concerns for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Gladstone cautions Native viewers to exercise caution when deciding whether to watch Killers of the Flower Moon, as the Scorsese film delves into the sinister crimes committed against the Osage people. The movie depicts relentless killings, often accompanied by gruesome and violent imagery, which could deeply disturb individuals whose ancestors were victims of such hate crimes perpetrated by white settlers.

Native viewers have had mixed responses to Killers of the Flower Moon. Devery Jacobs, an actress in Reservation Dogs and herself Native, harshly criticized the film, describing it as relentless and unnecessarily graphic. She expressed her discomfort, questioning if this was the representation they truly needed. Jacobs serves as an example of why Gladstone is warning Native women about the film. While her critique is socially astute, it highlights a broader issue of re-traumatizing indigenous viewers. The film's cultural competency (or lack thereof) is a topic of debate, and Gladstone's resource sharing adds to the ongoing conversation.

Source: Lily Gladstone/Twitter