Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) - Review

Martin McDonagh is back with an absolute whopper film, completely deserving of its nomination for Best Picture at the 90th Academy Awards.

When a mother (Frances McDormand) grows tired of her daughter's murder growing cold, she rents 3 billboards in an effort to force the police to step up their investigation.

While other Oscar contenders this year use shock (Get Out) and wonder (The Shape of Water) to place themselves in the popular opinion, Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri uses character study. This film is carried by 3 terrific performances. McDormand commands every scene as grieving mother Mildred, as does the always underrated Sam Rockwell as the racist, homophobic and downright vicious cop Dixon.

Woody Harrelson is not to be forgotten either, utilizing his limited screen time with utmost efficiency, all building to a moving voiceover at the midpoint of the flick. His Chief Willoughby offers a balanced median between the extremes of Mildred and Dixon.

Mildred and Dixon are perfect counterpoints to each other - Mildred, a bitter old women driven by her anger at the police and her ex-husband, while Dixon, a hateful young man, is motivated solely by his love of the force and his love for his mother. The two characters then bring us to a significant theme of the film: letting go. In order to move on with their lives, both characters must learn to let go of the grudges they've carried throughout the film.

Mildred's arc sees her coming to terms with her abusive ex-husband, letting go of her grudge against Willoughby, and ultimately letting go of her daughter. Meanwhile Dixon, through Willoughby's wisdom, learns to let go of his anger and malice created by his vile mother and unresolved grief for his departed father. Both arcs are wholly satisfying, particularly Rockwell's character. I would be surprised if he does not win Best Supporting Actor for this performance.

McDonagh, who wrote, directed and produced the film directs it well, knowing just how long to leave a shot lingering. The humour is very well done, in typical McDonagh fashion, lightening the mood for what could have been a very depressing watch. The editing is another strong point, keeping the heavy subject matter moving along at a quick clip and never droning.

Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri is a fantastic character driven story, and the performances are so strong that they put this film over the top. This film will give The Shape of Water a run for its money. Definitely worth FULL PRICE!