Review of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) by Lewis C — 03 Mar 2018

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is one of the greatest films of 2017 and an eye-opening account of a woman trying to seek justice for her daughters death. Set in the small town of Ebbing, Missouri, a woman, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDermond) decides to rent three billboards to bring attention to her daughters rape and murder after no convict was brought forward.

She receives a great deal of backlash from the community and the police force which features Sheriff Bill Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) and Officer Jason Dixon (Sam Rockwell). All of the performances by these three leads are outstanding, and it is no surprise that they have all been nominated for numerous awards for their roles.

Harrelson's character has many other tragedies to deal with in his life besides the case, and is easy to forgive and be sympathetic towards once we find out his entire story. Rockwell's Dixon, is a very racist and ignorant officer, but his story grows dramatically over the entire film.

McDermond's Mildred is a very strong woman, but the film does a great job showing her resilience and determination in seeking justice for her daughter. The film is very much a dark drama and gives great insight into what life is like in the small towns of the American south.

There is a lot of foul language and unpunished crime, but this is just what life is like in the Deep South. The story is very interesting and sympathetic, and deals with real life issues and tragedies.

The pacing is good as events build off one another and storylines connect. The dialogue is also top notch, which the writers and director should be given credited for. The ending leaves many question unanswered but seems a fitting way to wrap up this dark and sympathetic tragedy.

Overall, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a masterpiece. The performances are top notch, the writing is excellent, and the film does a great job of shining light on tragedy and small town life in the Deep South from multiple perspectives.