9 Years Later, This 90%-Rated Gem Is Still One of the Best Crime Dramedies Ever Made

Nearly ten years have passed since the release of Martin McDonagh's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and the movie has not only retained its power, it has also achieved classic status.

It's a flawlessly crafted exploration of grief, injustice, and the fragile line between the search for truth and the thirst for revenge.

What Is 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri' About?

Seven months after her daughter's brutal murder, Mildred Hayes' case remains unsolved and the local police seem to have forgotten about it.

Desperate, Mildred takes a radical step: she rents three roadside billboards at the entrance to her small town to publicly accuse the respected police chief, Bill Willoughby, of inaction.

This quiet act of protest sets off a chain reaction, drawing the entire town into the conflict, from embittered Officer Dixon to indifferent neighbors and cynical journalists.

The Movie Masterfully Combines Elements of Comedy, Drama, and Crime

Martin McDonagh's genius lies in his masterful command of tone. Set in a small town, his story flows effortlessly, like a play, from one genre to another.

The sharp, pitch-black comedy of situations and dialogue suddenly gives way to chilling drama. Mildred's personal rage morphs into a tense criminal investigation devoid of easy answers.

The movie moves with precise, flawless rhythm, like a well-oiled machine where every plot twist and character line is calibrated to perfection.

Frances McDormand's Acting in 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri' Is One of the Strongest Female Performances Ever

Not only was the role of Mildred Hayes the pinnacle of Frances McDormand's career, it also created a new archetype in cinema. Hayes is a modern-day Antigone who defies laws, social conventions, a corrupt system, and her own despair.

McDormand plays this force of nature with such dedication that every scene she is in explodes onto the screen. We witness the entire range of her grief, from quiet numbness and icy determination to outbursts of rage and moments of almost childlike vulnerability.

McDonagh tailored this portrayal to the actress's unique charisma, setting a new bar for strong female characters and an unrivaled benchmark of acting skill and emotional truth.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'?

• Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri has 90% from critics and 87% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 8.1/10.

• On Letterboxd, it scored 4.1/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'?

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is available to stream on Disney+.