Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

          Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a story about a mother who, as a protest to the local police's lack of effort towards finding her deceased daughter's rapist, refurbishes 3 old billboards with statements meant to provoke the police, while specifically calling out the sheriff. This results in backlash from the public, and spurs a psychological war between the main character, Mildred Hayes (played by Frances McDormand), and the sheriff Bill Willoughby( played by Woody Harrelson). With that being said, this film subverts all of your expectations by unfolding out in a way you wouldn't expect. Its a wonderful story of revenge that, in my opinion, has one of the most unique endings to a film all year.
          My favorite part about this movie was the dialogue. This story is incredibly complex and never goes quite where you want it to go. Its incredibly harsh and Martin McDonagh, the director, doesn't hold back any punches with the script and with what they choose to show on screen. It's hard to watch at times and a better movie for that reason. The unfiltered, gritty perspective of this feud was perfect for the story. I could tell the audience in my theater was uncomfortable at many parts of the film and that, in my opinion, was good. The writing is fantastic and might possibly win Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars this year, which I think it should.
          The performances are fantastic. McDormand, Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell, (who plays a conflicted cop who works with Harrelson's character), all deserve praise. McDormand most of all gives the best performance of the year in my opinion. Each character is so flushed out with depth that you can easily hate on one and root for the other, but the film knows how complex this situation is. Because even as the film progresses, you might question Hayes' decision to put up the billboards considering what ensues after wards. You can even sympathize with the cops at times, which is somewhat unexpected. Rockwell's character is all over the place, but he does get some great moments.
          Overall, this movie is challenging and for the whole showing, never bored me. The small town narrative told through the story of a mothers anger towards the police is original and relevant in many ways. Please check this movie out, I promise its worth your time. 10/10