Review of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) by Callum H — 18 Jan 2018

From the writer/director that brought you Seven Psychopaths and In Bruges, Martin McDonagh has made his finest film yet in 3 Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri. It is the blackest of black comedies punctuated with genuine moments of anger, sadness, fear and suspense.

7 months after the death of her daughter, Mildred Hayes takes matters into her own hands placing controversial ads on three billboards outside her town of (you guessed it) Ebbing, Missouri. 7 months and not arrests for the murder of her daughter and her finger (and billboards) are pointed right at the widely respected chief of police Bill Willoughby. This sets off a chain of events that has consequences in store for all that have a part to play in the incident, from the grieving family to the clueless police force.

This film has three standout performances that propel this film beyond its premise. Woody Harrelson is brilliant as the small town sheriff with the heart of gold, his humanity and rye humour ground you in the reassurance that while McDonagh is taking a far darker route than his previous two films, the rich vein of wit is still present in Three Billboards.

Sam Rockwell is one of the finest actors in Hollywood with an incredible depth of range in countless performances, this one could be his best yet. Rockwell, plays Jason, a local cop with a short fuse who causes more problems than he solves.

Frances McDormand really shines in this film as Mildred, her harsh exterior and dry dialogue hides a woman who is deep in grief and she tows the line between these two things perfectly.

I honestly can't fault this film at any point, anyone who has seen McDonagh's two previous films will know the man is an impeccable writer who creates dialogue that actors would love to say on a daily basis. He has not yet put a foot wrong on the silver screen and this is probably his best film to date when he wants to make you laugh he does, when he wants to get you thinking you think and when he wants you gripped by visceral scenes of violence and suspense, you are on the edge of your seat. I can not recommend this film enough to anyone who has a passing interest in cinema, believe this is two hours not wasted.