Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri

It's always a good thing when I don't feel disappointed walking out of a film. 

An odd sentiment, but one that was worryingly hanging over my head for this particular film, Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri. 

It can happen with really any film, but I find indie films particularly susceptible because sometimes I just don't see eye to eye with the critic praise. Sometimes they're just downright boring. Of course the same can also be said for the many blockbusters that have let me down over the years, but that's a different story. 

Gladly, Three Billboards isn't a disappointment at all. In fact, I'd say it's even better than I expected it to be -- a darkly funny but touching drama with exquisite conflict (something the indie films sometimes tend to forget...) and memorable characters that each are distinct in their beliefs, missions, and evolutions. 

The most startling -- in an enjoyable way -- aspect of Three Billboards is just how dark its humor is. This is nothing new for director Martin McDonagh and it's obvious if you've seen any of the red band trailers for this film, but even still there are some shocking moments of humor that had my mostly-older crowd laugh-gasping. It pushes the envelope, but it works because it's all well defined within these characters and what we come to learn/understand about them. If dark humor is your kind of thing (which, let's be honest it kind of is for everybody, it's just a matter of whether they want to admit it) then Three Billboards is a very funny movie with a high efficiency in its jokes. It doesn't aim to go wall to wall with laughs but instead carefully plans when is the right time for a joke and when is not. All of them are funny to varying degrees with some downright hilarious moments here and there. To my recollection none of them really fall flat which is surprising and shows the talent of script writing with this brand of humor. 

You can always depend on Woody Harrelson for a great character.

An odd fashion choice to say the least...

The script deserves mention here because it does a lot to build up these characters outside of a generally straight-forward plot. Despite the humor, Three Billboards definitely has a heart at its core which lends credence to this being more than just a dark comedy about semi-outlandish characters. They each have their pains, their troubles, and their shortcomings as humans, all of which are highlighted throughout the film via a very smart and well-organized script.

I also appreciated how the plot of Three Billboards was somewhat misdirected in the original trailers aiming for a much more citizen vs. police vibe than is really portrayed. It's clear early on that Mildred (McDormand) has her own shortcomings of logic when it comes to finding the men who raped and killed her daughter. And it's also clear early on that Willoughby (Harrelson) isn't the bad guy. There's more to the story and that "more" reveals itself through a highly engaging plot that gives each one of these characters time to shine. A mid-film development is heartfelt and well earned, changing the perspective of the film pretty considerably and it's an event that most films would have made it a point to spoil in trailers, so I applaud Three Billboards for giving us a truthful, but slightly diverting synopsis and presenting an even better film. 

I've spoken a lot about the characters here and they're some of the most memorable characters you'll see at the movies this year. McDormand is a powerhouse of cursing, sadness, and tenacity as Mildred. We empathize with her quest to find her daughter's tormentors, but also come to find that she's not perfect either. Harrelson, who's always dependable, gives us the highly enjoyable Willoughby who is trying to do his best with the case and takes issue with the billboards Mildred puts up calling him out. Fellow officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell) is another fantastic character who has almost as significant of an arc as Mildred from start to finish and delivers a lot of the humor in the film, as well as the conflict. The rest of the smaller roles, including Peter Dinklage are all solid performances and good supplemental characters to the central cast trying to make their way through their lives.

[Insert Tyrion Lannister mustache joke here]

Any issues I had with Three Billboards is summed up enough in the Cons section below, but I hypothesize this is a film that will age well in my mind and with potential re-watches. It's inciting because of the humor but you'll likely remember it far longer for the fantastic script, well-earned conflict, and complete characters that it delivers. This indie film is by no means a disappointment. In fact, it's one of the year's best.

CONS

• I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, but with time I think I will be. I understand why that ending was chosen and that's really all I should say
• There's a decent amount of hatred in this film. It almost becomes too much at a few points where it just feels like everyone hates everything/everybody
• A few instances where the language felt forced

PROS

• Phenomenal group of characters that feel well rounded and each have conflicts of their own
• Amazing performances across the board with McDormand, Harrelson, and Rockwell being the standouts. Likely some Oscar nominations to come from this
• Darkly funny on a consistent basis. It'll make you laugh
• Some well-earned heartfelt moments crafted from a well organized script
• Intriguing plot filled with tangible conflict that keeps the film moving at a breezy pace
• Solid cinematography and editing with a fitting OS and soundtrack
• An enjoyable, well designed movie that is likely more than you bargained for in a good way

Rath's Review Score | 9/10