Wonderful and subtle exploration of human emotions

Rating: 8/10 (24 February 2018)

Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri is a wonderful and subtle exploration of the human experience, rage and how we deal with pain. The cast gave amazing performances that goes to present this theme of blind rage and letting go. The film takes place in the small town setting featuring a small group of cast that were all very impactful and were each well defined and have very human and authentic emotions.
I particularly enjoyed the cinematography and these use of the colours of orange and blue to create this contrast of emotions. Each character was a given a significant arc that involved the themes of redemption and growing. With the film ending on a note where characters who have now changed and evolved throughout the film are faced with a decision and essentially leaves the audience to make up their own mind on what happens next. It was a brilliant way to end the film.
In particular, Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell were the highlights of the film, with honourable mention: Woody Harrelson. The way in which McDormand balances a hard outer shell and the soft, vulnerable side of her character was great to behold, an enjoyable performance featuring her tough gritty attitude and her grief of loss. While Sam Rockwell brilliantly balanced two personalities too, he played a character that was highly irritable, hated and immature, yet in other scenes he is depicted in a righteous, brave and selfless sense. Wonderfully portrayed to make the audience believe in the changes in the character.
This is a film with a lot of heart, and depict the small town feel brilliantly. The use of comedy adds so much to the film in aiding its authenticity and connection to the audience, a wonderful, 'slow-burn' feel with complex and intense drama.