11/16/17

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Inspired by billboards spotted during a cross-country trip over 17 years ago, Writer/director Martin McDonagh ("In Bruges") realized he wanted to explore the sort of rage that must have triggered them. It took him over a decade to develop this script about unintended consequences.

In this Oscar winner's darkly comic story, a woman is frustrated by the local sheriff's ineffectual investigation of her daughter's rape and murder, so she rents three billboards to make a public statement. This terrific story is unpredictable, so watch closely!

Part of McDonagh's stellar cast:
  • Frances McDormand ("Hail, Caesar!") Mildred is determined to light a fire under Sheriff Willoughby. Her daughter's killer should NOT be allowed to live free while she is trapped in bitterness and rage.
  • Woody Harrelson ("The Glass Castle") Beloved Sheriff Willoughby is annoyed by Mildred's persistence and tries to reassure her that he is doing his best.
  • Sam Rockwell ("Moon") Dixon is his own worst enemy. Stuck with the need to care for his mother and tempted by the power his badge represents, his life has become a mess.
  • Zeljko Ivanek ("Suits") This desk sergeant is having trouble keeping the peace in the sheriff's office. People just barge in and start yelling.
  • Clarke Peters (I remember him best from "The Wire") What a relief when calm, intelligent Abercrombie finally comes on the scene!
  • John Hawkes ("The Sessions") Charlie has what he thinks he wants, a sweet young lover and a new stress-free life.
  • Peter Dinklage ("Game of Thrones") James is just doing his job.
  • Amanda Warren ("This is Us") Denise may have to pay a price for being Mildred's friend.
It always satisfying to watch two of the finest actors in Hollywood (McDormand and Rockwell) do what they consistently do best: convince us that the people they portray are living breathing human beings. On the other hand, Ebbing, Missouri is pretend.

Because this is R-rated, expect explosive violence and profanity, but understand that that you will not only see towering rages, but tiny acts of kindness. Our screening audience was uniformly impressed.
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