Review of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) by Felix M — 12 Dec 2017

**Slight disclaimer: My "reviews," are really just gut reactions that I can remember and jot down. Forgive the sloppy styling, grammatical errors and general upheaval of my writing. While I do try and write something cohesive and obeying film review etiquette, mostly, I say fuck that. What I love about theater going, is going is the surge of emotions I experience, especially during a particularly bad or a truly great film. I try (and likely fail) to translate that feeling into my writing but hey, I warned you. You can stop now and I'll never know.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Watched 12/8/2017.

I absolutely love Martin McDonagh, his films in Bruges and Seven Psychopaths are some of the most clever, shocking, human and hilarious films I've had the pleasure of viewing. I've been waiting years for his newest, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

It didn't disappoint.

At its base level, the story is straight forward enough. A young girl was raped and murdered, her corpse mutilated. A viciously heinous crime that tore a small town a part. A year later the case is closed and not one suspect is apprehended. What I thought would be a typical "whodunnit?" it morphed into one of the most intense and emotional films I've seen. I knew McDonagh could deal with controversial subjects, but I am not certain I was fully prepared for the film to follow.

I should've known better than to put McDonagh in a box, I knew he would surprise me especially with the power house cast working with him. Woody Harrelson plays the small-town sheriff, while you may already have a preconceived notion of what a Harrelson sheriff would look like, I think this is Harrelson's best performance in years. He represents a force we do not agree with but does it with an edge, humanity, and humor that makes it feel real. One of the most gut-wrenching parts of the film is we are supposed to hate him, but he is written and performed so well, that we feel for him perhaps more than anyone else in the film. Sam Rockwell plays abhorrent, racist, violent cop Dixon. I've seen Rockwell in an unlikeable role before, but he always has a certain charm about him...In Three Billboards, he is an absolute tyrant. It's difficult to watch his scenes.

And then we have Francis McDormand. Her portrayal of Mildred, the murdered girls mother is incredible. She is fearless and smart and relentless in her quest for answers. She takes no prisoners stopping at nothing to get some semblance of justice she feels so entitled to. It's only then she witnesses the injustices going on right before her.

Simpler minded folk, may think this is when the film gets on a moral high horse, or is stereotypically holding a mirror up to society. But those are simpler minded folk. This is a film of the 21st century, mainly the past few years. It creatively challenges and audience and slips in messages of hope and change with its subject matter in which you'll likely be offended.

The language and slurs used will have backlash for McDonagh and crew. We just live in that age, that even if you're a proponent for diversity and change, a proponent for civil rights, even if the message is positive, there are certain words that will immediately have a percentage your audience close their brains and just propel hate and ignorance for a project. We live in a very sensitive time, and this film will push your buttons. The language and actions that take place are not done in an exploitative manner and I think that's all the difference, the words are very much a product of real characters, not simply delivered for shock value, but delivered with a purpose. I applaud the bravery and risks being taken with this film and I am glad McDonagh and McDormand, and Harrelson and especially Sam Rockwell have the guts to stand behind their work and refuse to apologize. You need to see this film.

It so much more than just a revenge story. It gives us hope that people, even the worst people, can change and be touched. That hatred isn't natural but a product of an unnatural, unhealthy environment. Three Billboards not only flooring emotionally but also witty and funny. The beautiful balance of comedic and dramatic tones is everything I wanted and more from McDonagh. It takes a talented person who can add humor to a script like this and it breaks up the tension so well. The actors knock it out of the park. McDonagh is one of the best story tellers working today I can't wait to see what is in store for us with his next project. But I think I'll watch this a few more times while I wait.