Very early in the movie, three billboards were set up to provoke a community. That leads to a series of events that does not shy away from vulgarity or violence. A lot of those scenes can get pretty dark and disconcerting, but somehow I was having an absolute blast watching it all play out anyway. Maybe it's because of the wicked and clever sense of humor that sometimes takes you off guard with how blunt and biting they can be. A lot of insults are thrown. Things get physical. All of it gets personal. Fun times.
Written and Directed by Martin McDonagh, we've got ourselves here a fantastic piece of story telling with some very remarkable characters. The plot moves along as expected at first, but there are curve balls that are thrown our way to keep us on our toes. Some scenes are as expected as can be, while others subvert our expectations. Considering there is a crime that needs to be solved, we are also sorta playing along by guessing as to how it will all conclude. As it goes with these kinds of films, some people will be satisfied with how it goes down, while others may not.
As I suggested earlier, the dialogue in this movie is spectacular. I was honestly laughing out loud with some of the exchanges between certain characters. Two in particular stand out the most. Frances McDormand as Mildred, and Sam Rockwell as Dixon. Woo! Absolutely stand out performances by both of them! McDormand is amazing as the tough as nails, says what she wants, angry Mother who wants justice. It's hard not to root for her here, but as it goes, things get complicated. Rockwell is also amazing as the slow witted, says what he wants, reprehensible police officer who just happens to be racist. It's easy to hate on him here, but as it goes, things get complicated.
The rest of the characters played by Woody Harrelson, Lucas Hedges, Caleb Landry Jones, Sandy Martin, Peter Dinklage, John Hawkes, Samara Weaving, Abbie Cornish, Zeljko Ivanek, and Clarke Peters, are all excellent in their roles. Quite excellent! Each one of them get good scenes and great lines, to make them stand out. McDormand and Rockwell can't have all the spotlight now.
By the end of the movie, there is an obvious primary theme that "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri" is trying to tell us. I'd rather not say what it is here, because it's like a learning lesson that needs to be experienced in person. Along with the sharp writing, fantastic characters, and the overall entertainment factor, it's that particular theme that really takes this movie over the top as being an instant classic in my eyes.
LOVED IT enjoyedititsokayitsmehitsterrible
