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Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri - Movie Review

Posted by Anonymous on
Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri - Movie Review
Directed by Martin McDonagh
A gut wrenching, saddening and intense tale following the themes of murder, rape, revenge
and suicide that will have you on the edge of your seat for the entirety of the movie. This film
seamlessly combines raw realism with black comedic undertones so that the change between
a viewer bearing a sombre smile and a sweaty claw-like grip on their armrest is a frequent but
startling occasion. Yet, the movie manages to do this without being so abrupt as to take you out
of the action - an impressive feat in its own right. Moments of anger, hopelessness, terror, pity,
forgiveness and sorrow are intertwined within this magnificent one hundred and fifteen minute
masterpiece.

 The plot revolves around Mildred Hayes, who's teenage daughter (Angela) was raped and
murdered seven months prior to the events of the film. Due to a lack of progress made by the local
police department, Mildred decides to rent-out three derelict billboards that stand just outside her
hometown, Ebbing. These billboards read:
“RAPED WHILE DYING”
“AND STILL NO ARRESTS”
“HOW COME CHIEF WILLOUGHBY?”
Directed mainly at the police department’s chief - Bill Willoughby, the beginning of the story focuses
on Ebbing's reaction to these new messages and the effect they have on Mildred and those closest
to her.

 While the driving force of the film is the mystery behind Angela’s killer, the story’s underlying
message focuses on much more; race relations, police brutality, law enforcement, depression and
grief - allowing for an intriguing, nail-biting experience. This film has my full recommendation as it
portrays many current-day social issues while still retaining a riveting narrative that will have you
engaged right up until its final moments.      

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