Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: Review

Multiple Golden Globe winning Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is Martin McDonagh's first picture since 2012's Seven Psychopaths. Three Billboards follows the story of Mildred Hayes, a grieving mother who demands the police try harder to solve her daughter's murder months after. She rents three disused billboards on a minor road leading out of town to vent her frustrations, which brings turmoil and unexpected consequences to the small town of Ebbing, Missouri. 

Martin McDonagh's powerful social satire is an unconventional spin on the usual black comedy formula. Three Billboards is an extremely relevant and complex piece of cinema which tackles head on numerous issues facing contemporary society - tempting the viewer to draw conclusions and form opinions, without ramming home any particular agenda. Chiefly its a story about right and wrong, anger and justice - on the other side of the coin its about coping with grief and the things it drives us to do, willing or unwilling. Three Billboards is a humorous yet at times merciless social commentary. 

The buzz surrounding Frances McDormand's phenomenal turn as the compelling Mildred Hayes is not in the slightest way exaggerated. In fact, I would go as far to say this is one of the finest on screen performances I have ever seen. Mildred is energised by her simmering, righteous anger; her boldness empowering her to butt heads and call out anyone who she believes is wrong. She is a determined character - driven by the justice she is seeking -  intent on letting nobody get in her way. Mildred Hayes is a mighty force of nature and the key to Three Billboards success. 

Set in the imaginary town of Ebbing, Missouri, Three Billboards is contemporary but feels captivatingly timeless. It can be argued that Billboards is symbolic of many of the social issues facing the modern western world, cramming just about every grievance against humanity in the picture - racism, sexism, corruption and social apathy to name a few.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is beautifully scripted and acted - weird, dark and unconventional. McDormand delivers one of recent cinema's most blisteringly powerful performances, alongside the equally outstanding Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson. Everything has meaning, purpose and reason - it highlights how individuals can act out in rage, exploring the reasons why we shouldn't but in some cases why it's important we should.

Consistently unpredictable, satirical and brutal - Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri is an incredibly compelling and abstract film to come from tinsel town. 

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri:

Great