Written and directed by Martin McDonagh -- previously known for In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths -- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a story about a dysfunctional woman going through the grieving process in a dysfunctional town. Seeking answers to her daughter's death, she rents three billboards directed at the police department's Chief Willoughby in a controversial move.
With an excellent performance by Frances McDormand, Mildred Hayes is that haggard-up mother that refuses to take no for an answer; constantly pushing her authority around lazy, racist police officers in attempt to get them to do more regarding the investigation of her daughter's murder. Her attempts aren't greeted with much popularity, though. Many find her attempts disrespectful, and she gains an infamous notoriety as a result.
Playing one of the racist, lazy police officers is Sam Rockwell, Jason Dixon is a rough, hateful idiot with a particularly strong lack of intelligence, but his character development through the film's events has him seeing life in a new manner, attempting to do good as a result of the realisation of his not-so-kind ways of the past. It was particularly refreshing to see a character with such thought dedicated to them, having them go from what felt like a villain to a good person.
While the narrative itself is about the hardships of loss and injustice, there's plenty of well-crafted comedy within the dialogue. For example, Jason Dixon's sheer idiocy allows him to be seen often as comedic relief, with many of his lines and actions displaying his sheer lack of professionalism as an officer of the law, and that's outside of his various ways of misconduct. Mildred Hayes' rough exterior allows for some great scenes due to her open-mind, as well, often throwing out hard truths and thoughts into the open; walking into a police station shouting "Hey, fuckhead!" at an officer.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri will keep you engaged, feeling almost similar to Fargo (thank Frances McDormand for that) as it progresses. Its characters are well-established, meaningful, and never feel unbalanced within the narrative; each character holds a place and it used when necessary, never overstepping or seeming too forced. It's a great visual experience, and certainly not one to be quickly forgotten. It's unique, funny, engaging, and not too long.