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In reviewing this movie I feel the need to declare that I grew up in a very caring family. My inability to relate to the family dynamics in this story may mean that my judgement of the character’s intentions is somewhat clouded. Having made this disclaimer let’s get down to the movie itself.

Having watched the trailer I imagined I would be watching a story about police incompetence and the justice sought by a grieving mother who had lost her daughter to a horrible crime. During the movie, that whole premise is turned on its head. Frances McDormand plays the victims mother, Mildred, who is frustrated that the local police have been unable to catch her daughters’ killer. To stir up the community she has messages placed on three billboards near her home questioning why the police have not solved the crime. In the final message, she specifically mentions Chief Willoughby, Woody Harrelson, who is the respected Chief of Police. Coming to the defence of his boss is Deputy Dixon who comes across as red neck momma’s boy played exceptionally by Sam Rockwell. This all leads to a lot of controversy and splits the community.

As the movie progresses any endearment I had for Mildred fades as she shows that she is willing to take actions that hurt others to achieve her objective. A flashback scene makes you wonder if she is taking this stand to obtain justice for her daughter or to appease her own guilt. Other interactions with both a sick Chief Willoughby and her son have me questioning whether Mildred’s resentment of the world was a result of dealing with her child’s death or was she always like that. For McDormand to take a character that should have us feel sympathy for her and make me dislike her so much shows her wonderful acting ability.

There are a number of unexpected twists and turns that allow Deputy Dixon to move on from his obnoxious small-town lawman role but don’t expect miracles. Especially after you meet his disturbing mother, wonderfully played by Sandy Martin. The scene in the Dentist’s surgery and Dixon’s attack on Red Welby had me cringing in my seat and with the frequent use of every swear word that you can think of it is understandable why it has an MA rating. Just when you think that Mildred and Dixon may be on the road to redemption they make a decision that shows their true colours. While the film leaves you hanging, I am prepared to see the worst in these two characters and am sure they would have followed through.

Writer and Director, Martin McDonagh, has made a number of black comedies with many of this cast also appearing in his movie Seven Psychopaths.

I am giving this film 7 friends out of 10 due to its strong acting and the fact that there are a number of twists that keep you guessing about everyone’s motives.

Heads up – Frequent offensive language and some graphic violence.