Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Film Review

‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ is a dark comedy crime film written, produced and directed by Martin McDonagh. Frances McDormand plays mother Mildred Hayes, who rents three billboards to call attention to the local police department over the unsolved case of her daughter’s murder.

When Mildred Hayes puts up three billboards with a message to the local police, the town of Ebbing are angry and outraged, harassing and threatening Mildred and her son Robbie played by Lucas Hedges. With the whole town practically against her including Deputy Dixon played by Sam Rockwell, Chief Willoughby played by Woody Harrelson and her ex-husband Charlie played by John Hawkes, Mildred Hayes remains vocal and strong.

Frances McDormand is brilliant as Mildred Hayes, portraying the character as feisty, frustrated and resilient with some of the best lines in the film. Although her heart is in the right place, most of her actions are emotionally driven, sometimes not making the best decisions. And I think that’s what I love about McDormand’s character Mildred. She feels so much in this film, it’s hard not to see her as real (even though this film is not based on a true story).

Woody Harrelson plays Chief Willoughby, a man Mildred Hayes has targeted with the billboards in frustration who is sensitive and surprisingly understanding towards Mildred‘s emotions. Despite the said billboards conjuring Chief Willoughby after 7 months of no resolution regarding the murder, he still has his own problems and battles to face.

Although McDormand and Harrelson were both amazing in their roles, it is Sam Rockwell that is the stand out performance as Deputy Dixon. Despite being a supporting character, Dixon has the greatest and most significant character development in this film. From a reckless hick and loser who still lives with his verbally abusive mother, Dixon soon becomes a man of action on a mission with new found morals.

Every moment of ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ flows graciously with the storyline, is cleverly executed and it’s so enjoyable to watch. The directing and the screenplay combine with a brilliant cast to create an incredible film. There are so many moments where I laughed, where I cheered and I was even moved to tears at one point.

‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ made me feel everything and I could not be more grateful for it. The characters and the stories of this film all feel real, because they are all perfectly imperfect with their own quirks and issues. A lot of thought and heart went into this film and it shows as the film now seems to have a heart of its own. I really hope ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ is successful with all the accolades it’s nominated for, because it fucking deserves it.