Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell,
Woody Harrelson, Zeljko Ivanek
Another film that tackles grief yet in a completely different manner. Taking matters into her own hands, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) rents three billboards on the outskirts of a small town. She posts three provoking messages on them, all related to the unsolved murder case of her daughter and addressed to William Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) the chief of police. A full year has past and they are nowhere near to arresting let alone finding any suspect in the brutal rape/slay case.
The whole town is aghast and everyone has a valid opinion on the controversial messages on the billboards. Meanwhile Mildred goes on with her usual routine yet a different side of her surfaces. An attitude prone to violent streaks yet understandably as it comes from sentiments of deep frustration, certain feelings of guilt and self blame for what happened to her daughter.
This soulful movie is peppered with a believable cast led by the indefatigable Frances McDormand, the reliable Woody Harrelson and the solid delivery by Sam Rockwell was quite revealing. They all essay their roles with nuanced performances that hit you to the core. Their subtle acting style lead to their sympathetic characterization. They may be characters in a small town but their larger than life characters create quite an impact in this dark comedy.
A movie that handles tragedy with a cleverly written script, a sharp dialogue and well acted by a formidable cast that just keeps on giving even though their characters are all deeply flawed.
But it is these very flaws which make them genuinely human and this is where this film draws its strength. Truly award winning performances and 2 thumbs up for a job well done.
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