Frances McDormand is a national treasure. Once again she wows us with a dazzling, funny, emotional and thoroughly fascinating performance. It would not be a surprise to see her garner a fifth Oscar nomination.
“Three Billboards” is a story of a mother mourning the loss of her daughter in an unsolved rape/murder. Distraught over the failure of law enforcement to find the killer(s), Mildred takes matters into her own hands embarrassing the powers to be with three cryptic billboards. The townsfolk and the men in blue are not happy with her but she refuses to relent, no matter the pressure.
Woody Harrelson ably portrays the Police Chief, Willoughby. Despite being called out by name on the signage, he patiently goes on with his duties maintaining the peace with a ragtag crew. Sam Rockwell is outstanding as his racist, hard drinking, momma’s boy deputy.
Martin McDonagh wrote and directed this gem. He brought us “In Bruges” a few years back as well as “Seven Psychopaths”, in which he worked with both Rockwell and Harrelson.
While the subject matter is very dark this film has laughs galore, most of which flow from McDormand’s work. Her scene with the local parish priest at her dining table is one for the ages.
The wonderful Peter Dinklage makes a solid appearance in the film as well but this movie belongs to McDormand. I may venture out to see it again just to marvel at the seeming ease with which she delivers her character.
