Review of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) by Tony P — 23 Feb 2018

I was not overly taken in initially with the hype this film seems to have gathered. I mean, the premise, title and trailer all failed to provide much anticipation. However I do recommend this film is seen.

The performances from the cast are the highlight.

The basic plot outline is the grieving mother Mildred (Frances McDormand) whose daughter was murdered quite violently some months before.

She seems to think the police investigation has gone a bit dormant. So in order to focus the mind of locally respected police chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) she hires some dilapidated old billboards on a little used road outside the local town of Ebbing, Missouri, USA.

McFarland delivers a fantastic performance not only in grief and revenge but a black humour.

Harrelson starts the film looking as if he will be an unpopular character but when it is revealed he is dying from cancer he displays a more sympathetic and at times humorous performance.

Willoughby is aided by apparently racist cop, Dixon (Sam Rockwell). Rockwell to delivers a great performance as his character turns from low IQ/racist cop to concerned investigator after his sacking and death of Willoughby.

I had one major gripe with this film. The debatable ending.

Now I prefer more black and white endings.

The simplistic film title has now caused mass attention and debate after viewing and for this I commend the film.