So I just saw Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and it was fantastic. This is the third feature film from acclaimed director, Martin McDonagh, with his previous films being In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths. And although I really loved In Bruges, this film is easily his best one.
Every single one of the characters is written perfectly and are developed in ways you would never expect. Each character has so much depth and nothing's really presented in a black-and-white way. It's been a long time since I've genuinely cared about characters so much and there are plenty in the film that I definitely did not expect to be caring about at all. Even the way the film's set up leads you into believing that you have a firm grasp on how things are going to play out, but you seriously have no idea and it's an absolute joy to watch.
It's no surprise the film won Best Screenplay at Venice Film Festival, as well as two awards at the Oscars, along with a few other nominations. Not only was the writing spectacular, but the directing was pretty fantastic as well. There was an incredibly satisfying single-shot action sequence that I really loved. Frances McDormand was absolutely perfect. John Hawkes, Peter Dinklage, and Sam Rockwell were all amazing, and Woody Harrelson was great. I swear, in years from now people will consider this as a classic. Martin McDonagh has absolutely outdone himself in every way and I'm really excited to be able to share this film with more people.
If you want details about the plot feel free to watch the film's trailer, I don't think it spoils to much, but if you find your taste aligns with mine anyway then you might as well go in with a blank slate. This was probably the best film of 2017 and I strongly suggest you check it out on VOD.
Written by: Jared Kirschenbaum Instagram: @jaredkirsch_