Review: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017).

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017). Directed & Written by Martin McDonagh.

[Frances Mcdormand, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson.]

Within the first fifteen minutes it becomes extremely evident as to why this film is so highly acclaimed.

The screenplay, cinematography, casting- take your pick, they're all noteworthy.

From the same creators of Seven Psychopaths (come now) it makes total sense that such satirical wit is blended so perfectly with a dark, controversial theme.

Speaking of, the storyline is totally gripping- the type that has you on the edge of your seat, somehow managing to still surprise you at each intersection.

There's an air of simplicity that is carried through both the characters and the screenplay which in turn helps define the film's pacing as well as adding emphasis on the small-mindedness of the town and the people living in it.

Wow wow wow the acting in this film!!! Everyone brought their A game and that in itself adds around 4 extra points to my overall rating.

Frances Mcdormand completely embodied the role of Mildred. Her portrayal is utterly raw, displaying an emotional range that varies from blatantly obvious to unreadable in mere seconds.

Sam Rockwell reminded us, once again, that he is an absolute master at portraying characters that make us physically cringe (wouldn't have it any other way). And if you're familiar with his role in Jojo Rabbit, you will feel akin to this story.

And a special shout out to Woody Harrelson because man oh man, he serves as both a narrator as well as a sort-of martyr for the story overall.

I'm really not one for detailing plots, and thankfully this film hardly allows for that in any case. It's bold- brutally honest and frankly so fucking beautiful.

We are tricked into harsh themes of justice, revenge, forgiveness and most importantly accountability. There is no simple, or even one right answer in this story- something our characters are both challenged with and also given an opportunity to evolve from. And therefore we are forced into an unbiased zone, unable to formulate a solid stance or opinion- which is both necessary and demanded by the writer when sitting down to watch this film. And I love that.

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