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Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
(Fox Searchlight Pictures)
By Lucas Allen
Maybe you’ree ready to get into awards season at the movies, but you don’t know where to start. Maybe you’re the type of person who prefers to watch something based on word of mouth, or maybe you’re the type that just want to see something different this season than what you normally watch.
Either way, the new dark comedy “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” might be the best way to start. The movie is directed by Martin McDonagh, the writer and director of “In Bruges” and “Seven Psychopaths.”
Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) is still in mourning after her teenage daughter, Angela (Kathryn Newton), was raped and murdered. Seven months have gone by, and the case has yet to be solved despite the efforts of the local sheriff, Bill Willoughby (Woody Harrelson), and the Ebbing Police Department. In mounting anger, she decides to rent three billboards outside of town and put up signs expressing her frustration with the department’s incompetence in solving her case. Soon enough, it catches some media attention, along with a few admirers including that of James (Peter Dinklage).
Naturally, not everybody is loving it, especially Willoughby, who’s dying of cancer. Even Mildred’s teenage son, Robbie (Lucas Hedges), and ex-husband, Charlie (John Hawkes), don’t feel good about it.
The one person who disapproves the most is Officer Jason Dixon (Sam Rockwell), whose hot temper easily complicates the issue even further. Once revelations come into play, it’ll take every one of those characters through a darker trail to anywhere.
Though this is a dark comedy, it’s not a happy movie. Each scene delivers dark themes, yet still manages to pull off comedic moments. McDonagh’s script walks a fine line between comedy and drama, but also structures every scene well enough to keep that line from breaking.
The tone is also consistent enough that the funniest moments work well with the saddest moments.
There are some parts that drag, including the quiet moments, so it may not be as entertaining as the best dark comedies. However, the technical quality overcomes the issue thanks to McDonagh’s good direction and some of its cast. The production looks very good, and the small town looks real. Also, the cinematography is amazing, giving the film a realistic palette that enhances each scene.
McDormand easily carries the movie in a fierce and unparalleled performance that rivals her Oscar-winning role in “Fargo.” Her character can be unlikable at times, but you understand where she’s coming from and what she has to do to prove her worth. Harrelson gives, once again, a commanding performance, finishing off his year of great performances after “War for the Planet of the Apes” and “The Glass Castle.” Rockwell is also very good as a hot-headed cop who will realize the real importance of being a cop.
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is one of those dark comedies that may not be for everybody. But if you’re a fan of the genre or any of the movies by the Coen Brothers, this movie is much recommended. Come 2018 and this movie will likely get recognized especially in the acting categories.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for violence, some language, and sexual references)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
