Title: Devery Jacobs Critiques “Killers of the Flower Moon” for Its Treatment of Indigenous Characters in Scorsese’s Film
In a recent social media post, Devery Jacobs, a talented indigenous actor, expressed her strong feelings about Martin Scorsese’s highly anticipated film “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The movie, which is based on David Grann’s bestselling novel, has generated significant buzz, but Jacobs didn’t hold back her honest opinion.
Jacobs, renowned for her captivating performances, described the experience of watching “Killers of the Flower Moon” as “hellfire.” She claimed it was painful, grueling, and, at times, unnecessarily graphic, leaving her deeply affected. However, she reserved praise for Lily Gladstone’s exceptional portrayal, labeling the actor an “absolute legend.”
While admitting the cathartic aspect for the Osage communities involved in the film’s creation, Jacobs criticized the glaring underrepresentation and underwritten portrayal of Osage characters. She also pointed out that the film seemed to focus primarily on the perspective of white men, marginalizing and erasing the experiences of Native characters.
Jacobs was particularly vocal about her belief that the violent scenes in the film normalized violence against Native people, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and dehumanizing them. She passionately reminded audiences that Indigenous people have rich cultures, languages, joy, and love that extend beyond their grief and trauma, demanding their accurate representation on the big screen.
The actor called out non-Native directors for centering the story on the white perspective and delving into Native pain, rather than providing a platform for Native voices to tell their own stories. Jacobs went further, suggesting that an Osage filmmaker should have been entrusted with the budget to ensure an authentic portrayal of their heritage.
Jacobs also voiced her frustration with what she perceives as an ongoing issue involving white Oklahomans who profit from the blood-stained headrights. She lamented the film’s ending shot of Ilonshka dances and drumming, deeming it a perpetuation of the harmful narrative that Native people are helpless victims without agency.
As an accomplished and passionate representative of indigenous communities, Jacobs concluded her social media post by paving the way for a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of Indigenous cultures in mainstream media. Her fervent hope is to see Native languages, cultures, joy, and love rightfully celebrated and represented.
In expressing her thoughts on “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Devery Jacobs has ignited an important conversation about the challenges that Indigenous people face in the film industry. With calls for greater representation and sensitivity, it is evident that there is still progress to be made in embracing and respecting authentic Native voices in filmmaking.
