"How Come, Chief Willoughby?"

This review contains spoilers. 

I first watched "Three Billboards" in December; it was the pick for 'Odeon Screen Unseen'. I was impressed but would now argue I was not in the correct headspace to appreciate the film for all its glory. "Three Billboards" is a terrific film - it is important and timely yet also very funny. At the centre is an outstanding performance from Frances McDormand, somebody I was not familiar with before this film, but sure am now. Martin McDonagh has turned an excellent script into a beyond-excellent film. It can be a risk for a writer to also direct their own screenplay as the end result can sometimes come across as pretentious. Thankfully, that was far from the case for "Three Billboards" as the end result is a well-crafted film with a powerful message. 

Frances McDormand's performance is exceptional. She portrays Mildred, a smart, witty and defiant character. The film does not have to detail Angela Hayes' death graphically; McDormand's performance has the audience already feeling the loss and heartbreak, as well as the need for retribution and justice from the very beginning. There is a single flashback that hits the viewer right in the stomach: presumedly on one of Angela's final days, she and her mother clash. As she leaves the house, Mildred jokes that Angela will get raped on her way home. This was a hard-hitting scene that McDormand helmed well with Kathryn Newton giving a brief yet impressive performance. McDormand's Mildred should go down in film history as one of the best female characters to grace the silver screen. Mildred has imperfections but is resilient when it comes to fighting for what she believes in. 

McDormand is supported by a slew of fantastic performances. Woody Harrelson is excellent, and although he exits the film earlier than expected, his presence definitely lingers throughout. Harrelson has never had much range as an actor, but as long as he keeps being cast in the right roles, like this one, it is unlikely that audiences will become tired of him. Sam Rockwell is terrific. He plays an unlikeable character. Dixon epitomises toxic masculinity; his personal views interfere with his work-life, corrupting his role as a police officer. Despite all of this, Rockwell miraculously makes the character entertaining to watch; he is funny, overly aggressive but also tuned in. Dixon's character arc is arguably the film's most interesting; he transforms from an aggressive and reckless officer into a level-head and upright human. Further analysis could also explore the influence of Dixon's police status and uniform (a la Milgram); his attitude seems to change once fired from the police department. Rockwell's performance is commendable and is deserving of the awards recognition. Caleb Landry Jones and Lucas Hedges both shine in their respective roles. 

The narrative focuses on a rape case, an incredibly timely subject matter, especially in Hollywood. This makes "Three Billboards" all the more important and any wins it gets this awards season will stand for more than just the film. It authentically captures the emotions that the loved ones of rape (and murder) victims likely feel. Mildred's determination for justice and closure is what drives the narrative of the film. However, "Three Billboards" is very aware that these types of criminal cases are not prioritised highly enough. The film does not end with closure; like the millions of people out there, Mildred has to accept that she will not get the answers she is searching for. This narrative choice by Martin McDonagh also works as social commentary- the film sets the narrative up as a mystery to be solved at the beginning. However, as the film unfolds, it becomes clear that, just like in reality with the current procedures and laws, these types of mysteries are almost unsolvable. It was a smart choice for McDonagh not to sugarcoat this situation and to remain as realistic as possible. 

Unfortunately, "Three Billboards" is not going to be a smash hit at the box office. Thanks to its outstanding quality though, it is getting exposure from all of the awards ceremonies. I urge you to go and see this film; It sheds light on an important issue that people need to be even more aware of. 

Sexual harassment is not the only issue the film highlights. "Three Billboards" comments on police corruption and racism. In a particularly shocking scene, Dixon is enraged by the billboards and brutally attacks Red Welby (Jones); he throws him out of the window and continues to beat him afterwards. This scene encapsulates the worries and beliefs of many American communities; certain police officers can be over-violent and unprofessional. It is also suggested that under Willoughby's lead, this behaviour would occur without punishment. Amidst all of this, Dixon unknowingly meets Chief Abercrombie, who he immediately judges based on his race. It could be argued that "Three Billboards" depicts the US police force in an extremely negative manner yet it could also be seen as a very relatable and lifelike representation. Numerous lines of dialogue also sympathise with the concerns expressed by the #BlackLivesMatter movement. The film acknowledges that US police departments are too often more inclined to arrest certain people based on their race instead of arresting and going after actual criminals. Mildred's billboards do not have the effect she intended; instead of putting more time into her daughter's case, the police seem more motivated to find ways to stop her. For example, arresting Mildred's colleague Denise for a ridiculously small crime. 

"Three Billboards" is also an amusing film, the audience laughed aloud countless times. McDonagh balances witty, dark humour with a compelling narrative tremendously. Without spoiling them, some of the funniest moments include a scene at the dentists, Dixon's music taste and any scene featuring the girlfriend of Mildred's ex-partner. I believe the comedy is in this film to serve a purpose, not just to make the audience laugh. McDonagh could be intertwining hilarious scenes with a serious and dark subject to comment on how these types of cases are just not taken seriously enough. "Three Billboards" could be a satire on America's values. It was also refreshing to see the film focus on matriarchal relationships; Dixon turns to his mother for advice, Mildred has lost her daughter, and Robbie (Lucas Hedges) now lives with his single mother. 

"Three Billboards" is the first film I have seen this awards season to truly move me. This is a powerful film that I hope gets the highest praise. It has already (deservingly) won the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor. This is currently the film I am rooting for this awards season, and I hope The Academy Awards show it just as much love. Martin McDonagh has made an excellent film, his script and direction could not be better. Frances McDormand gives one of my all-time favourite performances - the power, defiance and strength she exudes is astounding. Rockwell, Harrelson and the entire supporting cast are faultless. 2017 delivered audiences with many 'important' films but "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" may just be the most timely and therefore most important of them all. This film could not have come at a better time, Hollywood needs it. Bold and relevant: "Three Billboards" is exceptional. 

87

/100

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