REVIEW: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2018)
Cast: Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson Director: Martin McDonagh
Synopsis: After Mildred Hayes still doesn’t know who raped and murdered her daughter, she decides to put up three billboards in order to persuade the police department to continue carrying out the case. Not responding to the billboards very well, the town rage against her actions – however, this does little to stop her getting what she wants; justice.
Following his 2012 success ‘Seven Psychopaths’, Martin McDonagh brings us yet another thrilling and edgy masterpiece, allowing us to see his unique style of filmmaking once again. When a grieving Mother is trying in any way possible to get justice for her daughter’s death, it seems she is left with one option – to rent out three billboards and question the work of the police, making her thoughts and opinions very public. Causing an uproar amongst the townspeople, it seems she is the only person wanting to find out who killed her daughter.
This film had a great mix of emotions with elements of comedy, sadness and romance. Besides the interesting and straightforward narrative, the lighting and music had an apprehensive feel to them, opening our eyes to a great balance of cinematography within the story. Having a wide embodiment of actors such as Rockwell and Harrelson meant that there was a great contrast of personalities, with characters reacting in various ways that showed realism in their story arcs.
The two main police officers in the film hesitantly carry out the murder investigation of Mildred Hayes’ daughter, showing us how badly they dealt with the situation at first. The constant rage that the police officers feel fuels the anger within McDormand’s character ‘Hayes’, as we sympathise with the impatience she has towards the whole case.
In my eyes, McDormand shone through in this film, living up to the role as a depressed, mournful Mother who only lives with her son. Following the death of her daughter and her husband leaving the family home, she has one job in getting the audience to feel sympathy towards her – this McDormand does.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone. It’s easy to follow, has a great storyline and it’s quirky yet informative nature managed to win it two Academy Awards back in 2018.
Enjoy watching!
