Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri proves to be one of the greatest films of 2017 through its fantastic performances and script.
After the death of her daughter, Mildred (Frances McDormand) decides to rent three billboards along a deserted road, to target the police for their lack of action on the case. She finds herself at odds with the town, especially Office Dixon (Sam Rockwell), yet she finds sympathy in Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) who decides to reconsider the case.
The most important thing to commend is McDormand’s performance. Her performance is simply fantastic, and she will undoubtedly be nominated this awards season, and may even win a few. She transitions perfectly between the fast-paced darkly comedic elements to the more serious emotional ones. It is fascinating that Mildred carries out many passionate acts of violence yet in a stoic manner, which greatly adds to the comedic tone.
One of Three Billboard’s strongest aspects is that it is a reminder of how few female characters in movies are as interesting as Mildred. This character has so many layers and constantly toes the line of morality, yet is still a sympathetic lead.
While McDormand’s performance is stunning, she by no means carries this film singlehandedly. She is surrounded by an equally stellar supporting cast. Rockwell’s Dixon goes through a fascinating arc, with a performance that may finally get Rockwell an Oscar nomination. While the arc does not feel completely earned, as the character shifts a little too fast to feel natural, it is an emotionally powerful arc.
Harrelson’s performance really shines in the film, from the beginning of the film that human actions are not always black and white. Chief Willoughby is inherently an antagonist to Mildred, yet is sympathetic to her plight. He is the clear voice of logic to this film, surrounded by a cast of characters who all act on emotion.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is incredibly strong because despite being over-the-top in every way, it feels viscerally real. Almost every decision the characters make feels like the most extreme possible choice, carried out in a comedic way, but they all come from a place of deep emotion.
Because of this, many of the more emotional scenes feel like they are not given enough weight. While these could have been a bit stronger, overall, it is more impactful to the general tone of the film, as individual humans respond differently to various tragedies.
The film also deals with a very complicated theme of violence, as violence is perpetuated constantly throughout the film. Most of these acts are done impulsively and have a greater impact than intended. Additionally, each act of violence sparks a new act of violence, implicating everyone connected. It is only when the act is questioned that the cycle could possibly end.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri does tell an outlandish story filled with over-the-top violence, but its greatest asset is its constant connection to humanity. While the humor may not be as constant and fulfilling as the trailer suggests, it is used as a powerful tool to confront the ugliness of some human actions.
Grade: A
We want to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Write a comment below or submit an article to Hypable.