Best picture in years

Rating: 10/10 (13 February 2018)

This movie was perfect in every aspect: from its beginning (Renee Fleming's haunting delivery of Last Rose of Summer), to its unexpected, unsettled final scene.
I cannot remember a movie that tugs at one's emotions more than Three Billboards. One moment you are laughing, the next you are struggling to hold back tears. Indeed, it is a "dark comedy" - at least for the first half of the movie -- but at some point one must look inside and ask, "Should I still be laughing??"
The performances are superb. Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell are brilliant, as are many in supporting roles: Abbie Cornish, Peter Dinklage, Woody Harrelson, John Hawkes, Sandy Martin and Clarke Peters. Every single player is real and believable.
Three Billboards is nominated for 7 Oscars, including best picture and best screenplay. But it's a travesty that Martin McDonagh was not nominated for best director. The film should have contended for an Oscar sweep.
I believe the last time I wanted to rush back to see a movie the next day was the first time I saw A Clockwork Orange in 1978. And Three Billboards is the best movie I have seen at least since American Beauty.
If you don't believe me, then take a look around the theater as the movie ends and audience members are watching the credits. Just like you, everyone is exhaling after this 2-hour emotional roller coaster.