Review: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

"In this film, Francis McDormand kicks two high school students, a boy and a girl, in the crotch. Just go with it..."

My first cinema trip for 2018 and what a way to start. This film is full of fantastic performances and bold story choices. No character is flawless, yet none, despite all having some serious flaws, are without some glimmer of light.

Francis McDormand gives an exceptional performance. There is zero glamour to her role, but she demonstrates great depth with her range of emotions. Whilst her character comes off as funny and often very tough (as well exceptionally rough around the edges), it’s the fleeting moments of weakness and distress that really shine through from McDormand.

Woody Harrelson is well cast in the role of the target of McDormand’s frustrations. Harrelson is extremely likeable, but also a little bit mean, but also vulnerable, and he, like McDormand, is able to switch between confident and tough moments, into sudden moments of fragile emotion or weakness.

But naturally, the despite all the acting talent on the screen, including a favourite of mine, Peter Dinklage (in a minor role of little consequence, but still enjoyable), is it any surprise that Sam Rockwell steals the show? His performance as Dixon could have easily descended into a purely pathetic character, or a completely unlikeable character. But through Rockwell’s ability to be pathetic, mean and stupid in key scenes, yet bring the character enough nuance to make him more than a bumbling bully, it works exceptionally well for the films plot, especially in the second half.

And that plot… well… its not really about the plot. This film is a study of characters and dealing with grief, hardship, family and not giving up. If you’re after a ‘who done it’ plot line, you’re probably going to be left wanting. Oh, and this is a dark comedy. It’s not for those easily offended.

The film is quirky. It is not simple, it does not spoon feed you. You have to invest in this one, as it’s 115 minute run time feels longer than it actually is. But there are plenty of jokes, plenty of impressive moments, loads of unexpected choices, and not to mention some great dialogue. But the performances of the cast are what you should come away from the film with, as something to savour. You won’t get too many films like this one at the cinemas this year.