Review of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) by Thomas B — 05 Mar 2018

****.

A typically crazy, unpredictable ride from Martin McDonagh; thankfully one far more akin to 'In Bruges' than his last film, 'Seven Psychopaths'. Although not nearly on the same level as the aforementioned Belgian-set masterpiece, it's still got that blend of emotional drama and comedy that makes his work so entertaining and riveting. The first half, although good, wasn't quite meeting my (admittedly high) expectations, but something happens around the half-way mark that I wasn't at all expecting, and from this point on the movie was far more interesting. Although pretty much all of the performances are pitch-perfect, the stand out to me was definitely Sam Rockwell, who proves once again just what an underrated talent he is. Thankfully, he just won an Oscar for this performance, and I must say it is much deserved. The story takes twists and turns I never saw coming, and for all the crazy stuff that happens, the ending is a reminder of just how grounded in reality the film really is. This is an important movie with important messages, that manages to convey them in a discreet but highly effective manner. There were a couple of plot points and character arcs that felt like they were brushed over towards the end, and the first half has its problems, but this was overall a very satisfying and highly entertaining return to form for McDonagh.