Film review: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Martin McDonagh directs and scripts a dark drama that is set seven months after teenager Angela Hayes (Kathryn Newton) is raped and brutally murdered in Ebbing, Missouri.
Angela’s steely and strong-willed mother Mildred (Frances McDormand) is angry and frustrated at the lack of arrests for Angela’s murder. Mildred decides to provoke and shame the police into stepping up their investigation to catch the killer. She hires three billboards and targets the affable Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) using accusatory words in huge capital letters, ‘STILL NO ARRESTS?’, ‘HOW COME, CHIEF WILLOUGHBY?’. The billboards have the desired effect and the investigation into Angela’s murder reopens but emotional wounds open with it.
Blinded by the loss of her daughter, Mildred channels her energies into battling the police and anyone who dares to stand in her way. One of the main targets of her ire is the violent and racist police officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell) who she believes is “too busy going round torturing black folks” to do his job properly.
Dixon is controlled by his domineering and spiteful mother but believes he is above the law. However, when Dixon goes too far and has to face up to the consequences, he realises he needs to change. His transformation is dramatic but is convincingly portrayed by Sam Rockwell. Some people may object to the vindictive and brutal Dixon receiving any form of redemption.
Frances McDormand’s performance is incredibly moving and multi-layered. Mildred is not simply a tough woman with a sharp wit, she is also someone who can have an affectionate food fight with her son Robbie (Lucas Hedges) and who fears her abusive ex-husband (John Hawkes). You will admire Mildred’s bold attitude and feel her raw devastation and heartbreak from her grief.
McDonagh’s script skilfully uses dark and inappropriate humour to break up the tension, sadness and grief in the film. The confrontation between Mildred and the local priest, who berates her for the billboards, is amazing to watch. Mildred’s powerful and scathing response to the priest will leave you stunned and laughing.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri explores the themes of death, grief and vengeance and show how they can affect a small town. It is an unflinching film that is gripping from the very start when Mildred thoughtfully sees potential in three neglected billboards.
McDormand movingly shows the anguish of a mother who has lost a child and how the pain and need for revenge consume her. There are numerous twists that will keep you enthralled in the story and emotionally invested in Mildred. You will root for Mildred to attain the justice that her daughter deserves so that she can finally gain some respite from her grief and own demons.