Review: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

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Say it loud.

Behold the field where Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) grows her fucks. Lay thine eyes upon it and see that it is barren. So barren that after months of hearing nothing about her teenager daughter's rape/murder case she puts up three billboards in that field aimed at the town's Sheriff (Woody Harrelson) for not trying hard enough to solve the crime. While he feels bad, he's dying of cancer and doesn't have much time left. Once his racist lose canon deputy Dixon (Sam Rockwell) gets involved, things escalate. 

I love director Martin McDonagh's work. In Bruges is one of my all time favorite films so my expectations for this were high. They were met on every level. McDoagh's signature inappropriate humor is there. The fast quips and the lines that truly make you say "what the fuck?" Underneath that, this film has a ton of heart. 

It presents several characters who both likable and unlikable at the same time. Even our lead Mildred stoops to some pretty low levels but minus a few people you find a way to sympathize with nearly everybody at one point or another. Even after you've previously written them off. That is perfect writing. These characters have layers.

McDormand is outstanding. I loved her DGAF attitude, but at the same time you saw her tenderness and how she was hurting. Harrelson is hilarious yet heartbreaking at the same time. He comes off as a bit abrasive but you can see deep down how much he cares. Rockwell continues to amaze. Dixon's emotions are all over the place, yet Rockwell still manages to drum up a bit of sympathy in all of his awfulness. 

The supporting cast don't get as much to do, but work well in their roles. Peter Dinklage pops up a few times as Mildred's friend. Abbie Cornish is Sheriff Willoughby's randomly Australian wife. (Yes, I know anyone can live wherever they want, I just found it a bit curious she kept her natural accent) While she didn't get much to do she has a really strong scene with McDormand. Then there's Lucas Hedges as Mildred's depressed son. Caleb Landry Jones as the billboard owner who helps Mildred out. John Hawkes as her ex husband. Clarke Peters as another police office. I'm rambling but I can't rave enough about this cast.

Going in, I saw a few people on Twitter hated the ending, but I thought it was perfect. It fit so well with the rest of the film. 

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A+

Memorable Quote: "I think that midget wants to get in my pants." - Mildred (Frances McDormand)

Comments

  1. Courtney YoungDecember 6, 2017 at 9:13 AM

    Okay, you sold this to me with this review. Thanks, Brittani! Going to go see this one ASAP!

    ReplyDelete
  2. GetterDecember 6, 2017 at 1:41 PM

    This is amazing! When I saw the trailer I hoped it was as good as it looked and your rating just proved it! Can't wait to see it! So many of my favourite actors here as well, just wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 7, 2017 at 6:42 AM

      I think you'll like it! I hope you get to see it soon.

      Delete
  3. thevoid99December 6, 2017 at 2:45 PM

    I'm glad you saw this. This was an incredible film and the ensemble was great. I really have to give props to Sarah Finn for the casting. I really hope Sam Rockwell gets an Oscar nod as he was great in that film. You really hate his character for how stupid and prejudiced he is but then you realize that he's a good person who is misguided and in need of a direction. Frances McDormand I hope also gets nominated as that little scene with the priest is my favorite as she just tore his asshole up bad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 7, 2017 at 6:42 AM

      Yes, Finn deserves all the props for pulling this cast together. I hope they're both nominated on Oscar morning too. Harrelson I wouldn't mind either. Especially since Mudbound's supporting actors don't seem to be cataching on. :(

      Delete
  4. rhysgdruryDecember 7, 2017 at 6:18 AM

    Wonderful review - I couldn't agree more. This was such a great film, with such a great cast. Loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. BirgitDecember 7, 2017 at 6:43 AM

    I have heard nothing but great things bout this film and really want to see it. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  6. s.December 7, 2017 at 3:05 PM

    Thanks so much for letting me know this is not as bad as Wind River in terms of what is going on on the screen I don't think I would handle more of this this year and atm this one is my most anticipated movie of the year. I LOVE In Bruges and while I admired Seven Psychopaths I didn't like it too much. Everyone in the cast looks absolutely outstanding. Love the beginning of the review there :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 8, 2017 at 11:40 AM

      Thank you! lol. Yes, I was very pleased not to have any Nocturnal Animals/Wind River type flashbacks. I put this above Seven Psychopaths but below In Bruges just because that's one of my all time favs. This comes close, though.

      Delete
  7. StephDecember 10, 2017 at 2:04 PM

    Yay! I'm glad to hear this is so good. Something to look forward to.

    ReplyDelete

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