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'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri' Movie Review

'Three Billboards' balances black comedy, drama, and contemporary issues brilliantly, showing the makings of a dark horse this award season.

By Robert CainPublished 6 years ago 2 min read
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Released: January 12, 2018 (UK)

Length: 115 Minutes

Certificate: 15

Director: Martin McDonagh

Starring: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, John Hawkes, Peter Dinklage, Caleb Landry Jones and Lucas Hedges

Crime brings damage in a ripple effect to those around it in society, but what happens when the case is closed, particularly when it is unresolved? Inspired by some billboards he found while travelling, McDonagh turns his attention to the United States to tell a resonating and cohesive tale of grief, the search for justice and the change that it brings.

Taking place in a decisively modern American South, Three Billboards tells the story of Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand), who rents out the titular advertising outlets along a mostly unused road in a bid to find those responsible for her daughter’s brutal murder. While the case is kept in the public eye, the local community grows wary and even spiteful towards Mildred’s choice and so begins an array of chaotic events with several characters caught in the middle, particularly Police Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) who has been singled out personally by Mildred’s advertising. Cutting between different characters at main intervals, Three Billboards is, for a clear majority of its runtime, a multi-layered story delivering elements of black comedy, heartfelt drama, and contemporary issues elegantly. Some of the latter includes police brutality and racism which are both worked into the story. For all the black comedy (which is brilliantly written in its own right), the central plot and the feeling of humanity stands strong and as things proceed, the characters start to change, often for the better. You’ll come to understand that the film isn’t about the traditional resolution to a conflict, but instead the shaping and reformation of those involved. The only weak spot comes towards the film’s conclusion when it loses the balance between drama and comedic elements somewhat.

Three Billboards places a lot of emphasis on its cast which pulls all its weight to make them believable. Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell are all excellent in that their performances, feeling very distinctive from one another while also having their own individual connections to the plot. While on the exterior she’s a hardened mum who doesn’t take any rubbish from anyone, McDormand shows Mildred’s more emotional side away from the other characters and it’s at these moments where you really feel her grief and struggle to come to terms with it. Woody Harrelson’s Chief Willoughby is equally loveable, his family life forming a catalyst that changes those around him. On the other end of the spectrum, Sam Rockwell is immediately hateable, his hypocrisy surrounding the treatment of black people and abuse of power being put on full display. The side characters, while not playing as big a role, are still extremely well-performed. Mildred’s son Robbie (Lucas Hedges) encapsulates the traumatic difficulty of losing a sibling and Peter Dinklage, though bearing the brunt of many jokes, is just as engaging. Each character feels real and palpable, with their own flaws and imperfections, thus grounding Three Billboards on a very intimate level.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is another excellent effort from Martin McDonagh, continuing his trademark style and handling many different elements seamlessly. Yet in amongst all the wild antics and difficult subjects lies a beating heart, that of a mother desperate for justice amidst a community that seems completely deaf to her plight. It’s all impeccably acted and marvellously written, resulting in a film that could end up being the dark horse of this year’s awards season.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (Brilliant)

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About the Creator

Robert Cain

I'm a well-travelled blogger and writer from the UK who is looking to spread his blogs and freelance writings further afield. You can find more of my work at https://robc25.wixsite.com/thecainagecritique.

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