Dive into the haunting depths of Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), a gripping historical crime epic directed by Martin Scorsese. Based on true events, the film exposes the chilling conspiracy behind the Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma, where greed, betrayal, and systemic injustice collided in one of America’s darkest chapters. With powerhouse performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, the story is as emotional as it is unsettling.
Think you remember the key figures, the crimes, and the historical context? This 10-question trivia quiz will test how closely you were paying attention to the details. Only true crime aficionados and film lovers will get every question right. Are you up to the task?
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) Trivia Questions & Answers
Here are the correct answers and in-depth explanations for each question in our Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) trivia quiz. This historical crime epic is packed with important themes, complex characters, and unsettling truths — let’s dive into them.
1) Who directed Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)?
Correct Answer: Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese, legendary director of films like Goodfellas, The Departed, and The Irishman, brings his signature mastery of character-driven storytelling and moral complexity to Killers of the Flower Moon. It’s one of his most somber and reflective works, confronting the cruelty and complicity behind a little-known chapter of American history.
2) Which actor plays the role of Ernest Burkhart?
Correct Answer: Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Ernest Burkhart, a morally conflicted World War I veteran who becomes entangled in a deadly conspiracy against the Osage people. His character is caught between loyalty to his uncle, love for his Osage wife Mollie, and his own weak moral compass. DiCaprio’s performance is layered, portraying a man both manipulated and manipulative.
3) The film is based on a true story involving which Native American tribe?
Correct Answer: Osage
The Osage Nation, located in Oklahoma, became incredibly wealthy in the 1920s due to oil reserves discovered beneath their land. This wealth made them targets of exploitation, manipulation, and ultimately, systemic murder. The film (and the book it’s based on) tells the story of the so-called “Reign of Terror,” when dozens of Osage people were killed to gain access to their oil rights.
4) What natural resource made the Osage Nation wealthy in the early 20th century?
Correct Answer: Oil
Oil brought unprecedented wealth to the Osage people in the early 20th century, making them some of the richest individuals per capita in the world. However, their prosperity sparked jealousy, greed, and deadly schemes from white settlers and opportunists. The film underscores how their wealth became both a blessing and a curse in a racist and unjust system.
5) Which actor portrays William Hale, the powerful rancher?
Correct Answer: Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro plays William “King” Hale, a seemingly benevolent local rancher who is revealed to be the mastermind behind the murders. His performance is chilling — Hale cloaks his evil intentions in paternal kindness and religious rhetoric. De Niro captures the quiet menace of a man who manipulates others into doing his bidding, all while maintaining public respect.
6) What federal agency investigates the murders in the film?
Correct Answer: FBI
The murders of Osage citizens prompted one of the first major investigations by the newly formed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Under J. Edgar Hoover’s leadership, the bureau sent Agent Tom White (played by Jesse Plemons) to uncover the truth. The case became foundational for the FBI’s future development as a national law enforcement agency.
7) What is the relationship between Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle?
Correct Answer: Husband and wife
Ernest marries Mollie Kyle, an Osage woman with oil wealth, as part of a broader scheme orchestrated by William Hale. While there’s some genuine affection between them, Ernest’s betrayal — participating in a plot that leads to her family’s death and nearly kills her — lies at the moral heart of the film. Their relationship is both tender and tragically tainted by manipulation and greed.
8) Who wrote the book that the film is based on?
Correct Answer: David Grann
Journalist and author David Grann wrote the bestselling nonfiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. His investigative work brought attention to the forgotten crimes against the Osage and sparked a national conversation about historical injustices against Indigenous communities. The film closely follows the book’s framework and intent.
9) What is the tone of Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)?
Correct Answer: Dark historical crime drama
The film is a haunting, slow-burning crime drama grounded in historical truth. It avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the psychological and emotional weight of the crimes. Through its measured pace, bleak visuals, and morally ambiguous characters, the film reflects on America’s legacy of colonial violence and the institutions that enabled it.
10) Which famous composer scored the film before his passing?
Correct Answer: Robbie Robertson
Robbie Robertson, a frequent Scorsese collaborator and member of The Band, composed the evocative and haunting score for Killers of the Flower Moon. It was his final film before his death in 2023. His music enhances the film’s eerie, mournful atmosphere, adding emotional depth and cultural texture to this tragic story.
