It’s 10 November 2025, and one film is dominating every conversation in Hollywood and beyond: Bison, Martin Scorsese’s long-awaited return to the crime genre. Originally titled Killers of the Flower Moon during production, the movie was renamed Bison just six months ago—a bold move that instantly shot the phrase “bison movie” to the top of Google trends. If you’ve been seeing the word “bison” everywhere lately, this is why.
Here’s everything you need to know about the most anticipated movie of 2025—without spoilers, of course.
What Is the Bison Movie Actually About?
Bison tells the shocking true story of the “Osage Reign of Terror” in 1920s Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath Osage Nation land, tribal members became some of the richest people in the world overnight. Then they started dying. Dozens were murdered in cold blood while white businessmen and local authorities looked the other way—or worse.
Scorsese frames the story through Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), a World War I veteran who arrives in Osage County and quickly falls under the influence of his ruthless uncle William Hale (Robert De Niro). At the center of it all is Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), an Osage woman whose family is being systematically targeted.
Yes, it’s dark. Yes, it’s brutal. But it’s also one of the most important American stories never told on this scale before.
Cast: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Ensemble
The Bison cast reads like an Oscars shortlist:
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart – his seventh collaboration with Scorsese
- Robert De Niro as William “King” Hale – ninth time working with Marty
- Lily Gladstone as Mollie Kyle – the emotional heart of the film
- Brendan Fraser as defense attorney W.S. Hamilton
- Jesse Plemons as FBI agent Tom White
- Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow, Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, and dozens of Native actors in major roles
Scorsese and the producers made history by casting over 40 speaking roles with Osage and other Indigenous actors—an industry first for a film of this size.
Why Did They Change the Title from Killers of the Flower Moon to Bison?
The original book by David Grann is called Killers of the Flower Moon. So why the switch confused a lot of people. In a September 2025 interview with Variety, Scorsese explained:
“The Osage people we worked with kept referring to the story as ‘the time of the bison dying.’ For them, the murders and the slaughter of the buffalo were the same tragedy—both were about greed wiping out something sacred. Bison felt truer to their voice.”
The title change also helped the film stand apart in search results. Smart move—try Googling “flower moon movie” vs “bison movie” right now.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Bison had a limited theatrical release starting October 31, 2025, and went wide on November 7, 2025. As of November 10, it’s playing in over 4,200 theaters across North America and is already the highest-grossing R-rated film of the fall.
Streaming comes later. Apple TV+ has exclusive rights and will drop the movie sometime in January 2026 (exact date still unannounced). Until then, theaters or IMAX are your only options—and trust me, you want to see this on the biggest screen possible.
Runtime Warning
Clocking in at 3 hours and 54 minutes, Bison is Scorsese’s longest movie ever. Bring snacks. The theater intermission some cinemas are offering is a lifesaver.
Early Reviews and Awards Buzz (November 2025)
Critics are calling it a masterpiece. As of today:
- 94% on Rotten Tomatoes (Certified Fresh)
- 92 on Metacritic
- Already predicted to sweep the 2026 Oscars
Lily Gladstone is the current front-runner for Best Actress, while DiCaprio and De Niro are both expected to land nominations. Scorsese himself is tipped for his tenth Best Director nod.
The film also won the prestigious Golden Lion at Venice 2025, and standing ovations reportedly lasted 12 minutes.
Why Bison Feels Different from Other Scorsese Movies
Yes, there’s violence. Yes, there’s betrayal and greed—themes we’ve seen in Goodfellas and The Wolf of Wall Street. But Bison hits differently.
For the first time, Scorsese centers Indigenous characters and lets them speak for themselves. The final 20 minutes include a powerful sequence shot entirely in the Osage language with no subtitles—forcing the audience to feel the same confusion and helplessness the characters felt.
It’s uncomfortable. It’s supposed to be.
How Historically Accurate Is Bison?
Very. Scorsese worked closely with the Osage Nation for four years. Every major murder depicted actually happened. Some details were condensed for pacing, but the core events—including the role of the early FBI—are pulled straight from court records and Grann’s book.
For deeper reading, check the official Osage Nation statement and fact-checking article from Smithsonian Magazine—still the best companion piece to the movie.
Where Was Bison Filmed?
Almost entirely on location in Osage County, Oklahoma. Scorsese insisted on authenticity over convenience. The famous “oil geyser” scene” was shot at the exact site where Nellie Johnstone No. 1 blew in 1897.
Should You See Bison in Theaters?
100% yes. The sound design alone—thundering hoofbeats, oil derricks groaning, gunshots echoing across the prairie—is worth the ticket price. IMAX screenings are selling out weeks in advance.
If you’re interested in American history, true crime, or just great filmmaking, this is required viewing.
Related reading on our site: The 15 Best Martin Scorsese Movies Ranked (2025 Edition)
FAQ About the Bison Movie (November 2025)
Is the Bison movie a sequel to Killers of the Flower Moon?
No. Bison is the movie formerly known as Killers of the Flower Moon. It’s the same project, just with a new title chosen after consultation with the Osage Nation.
Is Bison streaming yet?
Not yet. As of November 10, 2025, it is only in theaters. It will stream exclusively on Apple TV+ in early 2026.
Is the Bison movie suitable for kids?
No. It’s rated R for strong bloody violence, language, and some sexual content. Several murders are shown in graphic detail. Recommended for 17+.
Will there be a Bison sequel?
Scorsese has said this story is complete. However, David Grann is writing a new book about another unsolved Native American murder case, and Apple has already expressed interest.
How long is the Bison movie?
3 hours and 54 minutes—Scorsese’s longest film ever.
Pan Card Form