Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Starring: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell
Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Rated: R
Three abandoned Billboards outside the town of Ebbing, Missouri have suddenly remerged with new signs printed on them. The controversial signs are calling out the town's chief of Police for falling behind in the case of a teenaged girl's murder. Who could be behind the billboards? The town knows only one woman would do it. Mildred Hayes.
Director Martin McDonagh has crafted a film that toes the line between dark comedy and drama with Three Billboards. It feels very much like a Coen Brothers film in both tone and dialogue. (I was actually surprised to find out the Coen Brothers didn't have any involvement in the project.) McDonagh is not afraid to follow characters who are highly unlikable, but attempt to find their humanity in some of life's darkest moments.
Speaking of the characters, Frances McDormand plays Mildred and it's quite a layered performance. One minute she's grieving the loss of her daughter and the next she's taking down a news reporter with hysterical one-liners. She has the billboards put up so someone will find her daughter's murderer...or are they an extension of her grief? The film delves into that question. She is an angry character, constantly confronting others, (some of whom deserve it and others who don't) but she's also the brunt of the town's judgement. Through Mildred's storyline, we see very interesting commentary on grief, judgement, and small town life.
Woody Harrelson gives a very good performance as Chief Willoughby. He's a man just trying to do his job. He has a lot going on in his personal life that makes it difficult to just get through the day. At first, Mildred seems deeply angry at Willoughby for being unable to find her daughter's killer. The town even begins picking sides among the two. They're either on Willoughby or Mildred's side. As the film progresses, the two share some deep moments that establish things aren't as clear cut as "choosing a side".
Sam Rockwell plays Jason Dixon, a hateful police officer who is loyal to Chief Willoughby and few others. His methods are violent and extremely unethical. When he is called out for his wrongdoing, there is a change in Dixon. I don't want to give too much away, but Rockwell conveys a complexity to Dixon that reflects character growth.
There are some moments in Three Billboards that the tone shifts a bit too drastically. One minute something incredibly violent happens and the next it's a comedic moment. I understand that the humor is dark in the film, but the tonal shifts can be a little jarring at times.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a dark character study tackling grief, revenge, and redemption. It'll leave you with something to think about long after you see it.
My Rating: 8/10