THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

'Raped While Dying', 'And Still No Arrests' and 'How Come, Chief Willoughby?'. These texts feature on three billboards and they establish a narrative, however, it's just the starting point for writer/director Martin McDonagh's latest feature, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. The text doesn't give away the film's eventual trajectory as it takes the viewer on a rollercoaster ride of dark comedy, devastating tragedy, unexpected twists and redemption. Since its release in America towards the end of last year, I heard a lot of good things about Three Billboards and it soon became one of my most anticipated films of this year. Fortunately, it doesn't disappoint as Three Billboards provides an experience that effectively traverses a high wire between comedy and tragedy and it does all of this without a safety net. 

McDonagh is best known for his previous films, In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths and winning an Academy Award for his short feature, Six Shooter, which was released in 2004. However, his latest feature, Three Billboards exceeds all expectations and, at the time of writing this, he is nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay at this year's Golden Globes. I wouldn't be surprised if he and the actors involved, especially Frances McDormand, are recognised by the Academy in March.

After months have passed without a culprit in her daughter's murder case, Mildred Hayes (McDormand) makes a bold move, painting three signs leading into her town with a controversial message directed at William Willoughby (Woody Harrelson), the town's revered chief of police. When his second-in-command Officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell), an immature mother's boy with a penchant for violence, gets involved, the battle between Mildred and Ebbing's law enforcement is only exacerbated.

One of Three Billboards' strongest aspects is the acting. Of the three leads, it's McDormand who stands out as the tough and mean-spirited Mildred. However, despite her fierce personality, she still has a heart and wants very much for justice to be done for her daughter. McDorman previously won her first Oscar for her performance in the 1996 drama, Fargo, and is currently nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Mildred. Both Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell give their best performances. Some may be surprised to discover that Harrelson has limited screen time in the film due to his character, Chief Willoughby, suffering from cancer. However, he still gives a memorable performance and is sure to be recognised by the Academy. Of the three leads, Rockwell is the only actor who is yet to be nominated for an Oscar, despite giving a strong leading performance in Duncan Jones' undderated sci-fi based drama, Moon, and many supporting roles. However, I'm sure his performance as Dixon will earn him a nomination. Lucas Hedges, who appeared in last year's drama Manchester By The Sea, Game Of Thrones' Peter Dinklage and Abbie Cornish round out the supporting cast.

Three Billboards uses a hard-hitting dramatic tone to advance the story. There are a lot of gut-punches and most of the plot points are unexpected. Because it's more of a character-based piece rather than a mystery, viewers won't be trying to guess who the murderer is. It looks deep into the character's soul and finds both darkness and light. It makes an argument for redemption which some might reject but it does this in a compelling way. Despite its disturbing theme, it uses dark comedy which works at keeping the film from becoming too morose.

I'm not sure if Three Billboards will appeal to everyone. Because I hadn't seen McDonagh's previous films prior to watching Three Billboards, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it as much as I did. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. I doubt fans of In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths will be disappointed with Three Billboards. However, it's worth a watch for those, like me, who are unfamiliar with McDonagh's work. 

One of the main differences between a great film and one that is good is how deeply the film plants itself in the viewer's memory. Are you thinking about it an hour, a day or even a week after you saw it? I'm sure I'll be thinking about Three Billboards for a long time. It beat all expectations I had for it and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think that, because of Three Billboards, McDonagh has certified himself as one of the greatest filmmakers. He has created a feature that deftly balances black comedy against searing drama and features strong performances from its three leads. In all honesty, I'd go as far to say that Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is worth watching just for Frances McDormand's fierce and unforgettable performance. 

8/10