Searchlight Pictures' Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a critically acclaimed drama film that was released in 2017. Directed by Martin McDonagh, the movie stars Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell, among others.
The film revolves around a grieving mother named Mildred Hayes, who puts up three billboards on the outskirts of her town to call attention to the unsolved rape and murder of her daughter. The billboards, which specifically target the town's revered Chief of Police, William Willoughby, create a ripple effect that exposes the deep-rooted issues within the town and its people.
Frances McDormand delivers a stunning performance as Mildred, a woman who is fueled by anger and pain and is determined to get justice for her daughter. Woody Harrelson, who plays Willoughby, adds a layer of complexity to the story as a conflicted lawman with a heart of gold. Sam Rockwell's portrayal of a violent and racist police officer named Dixon also adds to the film's complexity and provides a poignant commentary on the systemic issues within police departments across America.
The film received widespread critical acclaim, and rightfully so. McDonagh's storytelling is sharp, gut-wrenching, and darkly humorous, and the performances are nothing short of remarkable. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a masterclass in how to tell a story that is both entertaining and painfully real. It is a film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.