Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Jesus Duran Reyes, staff writer

Screenwriter and director Martin McDonagh, added another dark comedy to his resume, along with seven Oscar nominations in his fourth featured film. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is the story of an ambitious mother of two, Mildred Hayes, played by Frances McDormand. She is a fearless woman willing to take down anyone who opposes her, even if it means breaking the law.

Eight months earlier, her daughter was kidnapped, raped, and murdered. Due to the lack of arrests of potential suspects by the police, she takes matters into her own hands and rents three billboards that question the chief of police, Bill Willoughby, played by Woody Harrelson.

The conflict is revealed by the relationships they have with each other and the changes that are offered in them. From start to finish, situations exposed to the characters depict who they are by their responses.

McDonagh exploits the past with a series of confrontations  combined with drama of the present, resulting in a rich understanding of the characters current positions. Dialogue is serious, explicit, and funny. Although in some scenes the comedy feels forces and takes away from the story. Most importantly, the unpredictability of every scene makes this movie a must watch.

Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell’s performances are without a doubt one for the books, they have been all nominated for the 2018 Oscars Ceremony. McDormand adapts the arrogance of a mother and determined woman, while Rockwell, through vague language, abuse of power, and racist views, shows a sad side of humanity.

This film showcases the willpower of individuals when they are forcefully confronted with something they have forgotten, something not personally important, something that makes them uncomfortable. It shows the changes and sacrifices they are willing to make for their own good or for the betterment of all. In a way, it mirrors how we are as a society today.