In his newest picture, Martin Scorsese continues his exploration of crime, gangs and the ugly underbelly of society. Still, this one feels like it was made in our backyard, and for Kansans, it practically was. The story follows the Osage Tribe and how they gained generational wealth (oil) because of the relocations forced by the US Government. William King Hale, who asked himself to be called “King”, and his nephew Ernest are the “Wolves” out in the open that DiCaprio refers to at the beginning of the story, and this is what makes the story unbearable. The crimes by Hale were committed over long periods, regularly and as mundane as doing laundry. The FBI got involved only after more than 60 people were killed. 

The story stands on its own but Scorsese combines it with beautiful shots and landscapes. DiCaprio manages to go through the whole movie with one facial expression, but he still is convincing. De Niro might have delivered the best performance of his career. 

The film is very long, which a lot of people complain about, but it couldn’t be any bit shorter if it still aimed to create a mosaic from all the pieces that were presented. The film still managed to radiate a political taste without outright taking a stance. There was nothing too much, and nothing too little.

Being the first Native Americans to receive nominations for Best Original Song and Best Actress, Lily Gladstone and Scott George create history.