Why Jodie Foster Thinks Martin Scorsese’s Acclaimed Film Killers of the Flower Moon Should’ve Been a Streaming Series

 

Jodie Foster has sparked an important conversation about storytelling formats, arguing that Martin Scorsese’s award-winning Killers of the Flower Moon may have been better suited to streaming rather than a traditional theatrical release. While the film received overwhelming critical praise, Foster suggests its narrative depth could have thrived even more in a long-form series.

Streaming’s Unique Advantages, According to Foster

During her appearance at the Marrakech International Film Festival, Foster discussed how her experience on True Detective season 4 broadened her appreciation for the streaming model. She believes that modern long-form episodic storytelling offers creative opportunities that many traditional films can no longer accommodate.

Foster emphasized that streaming platforms allow creators to build expansive narratives, explore multiple character arcs, and dive deep into themes without being restricted to a standard feature-length runtime.

Why Killers of the Flower Moon Could Have Worked Better as a Series

The actress noted that Scorsese’s historical drama, despite its excellence, could have benefited from the freedom of a limited series. She argued that a longer format might have shifted the focus away from the dominant perspectives of Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro’s characters, allowing for more time to explore the experiences of the Osage Nation.

She suggested an eight-hour series could have offered dedicated episodes focusing on the Indigenous community, providing richer context before the tragic events that unfold.

Not a Critique of Scorsese — A Commentary on the Industry

Foster clarified that her remarks were not aimed at criticizing Scorsese, whom she deeply respects after previously working with him on Taxi Driver. Instead, she used Killers of the Flower Moon as an example to reflect on a larger shift happening in entertainment: filmmakers wanting to tell longer, more complex stories while still staying in the traditional film box.

She encouraged renowned directors including Scorsese to explore series formats more boldly, as their ambitious visions may sometimes fit better on streaming platforms.

The Ongoing Discussion: Film vs. Streaming

While opinions vary, Foster’s argument aligns with several critiques of the movie: its nearly 3.5-hour runtime and the desire for more focus on Lily Gladstone’s character, Mollie Kyle. As audiences embrace more long-form storytelling, the debate about which formats best serve certain stories continues to grow.

Conclusion

Foster’s perspective sheds light on an evolving entertainment landscape where streaming and cinema coexist — each offering unique advantages. Whether or not Killers of the Flower Moon would have been more impactful as a series, her remarks underline the potential for filmmakers to expand their narratives in new and meaningful ways.