First Look in Dubai: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” Review
The Oscar-darling Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is finally hitting the cinemas in Dubai as we enter the awards season. Even though the movie was publicly released on December 1st, 2017, in the United States, it’s going to make its way to the UAE on February 22nd, 2018. The dark comedy made a pitstop in Dubai International Film Festival, and so the MBRSC Post is capable of bringing you the first local review of the movie.
Written and directed by Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards revolves around Mildred Hayes, played by Frances McDormand, who decides to defame the Ebbing police force after they failed to capture her daughter’s rapist and murder. She rents and designs these three billboards on the outskirts of the town:
The town is split over Mildred’s actions. Some want justice for her daughter but the majority sympathises with Chief Willoughby, superbly played by Woody Harrelson, as he’s suffering from pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, as the viewer of this movie, one can’t help but root for Mildred. She might seem hard-headed and heartless but the subjective movie allows you to sympathise with her the more you learn about her life and watch her at her lowest points.
McDormand’s performance in Three Billboards made it what The Guardian called one of her “defining roles”. Her acting was raw and carried the movie on her back for the most part. Another stand-out performance was that of Sam Rockwell who played the movie’s controversial antagonist, officer Dixon. He’s racist, abusive and an alcoholic. He’s the perfect villain.
Moreover, those behind the camera performed spectacularly as well. The movie was beautifully shot by Ben Davis and edited by Jon Gregory. The visuals added to the tragedy of Three Billboards.
This movie dared to discuss contemporary taboo subjects such as racism, rape and police brutality. It tastefully combined pain and tragedy with comedy; it’s a sign of immaculate screenwriting when you don’t feel ashamed for laughing through Mildred’s pain.
It gained immense popularity as well. It earned $111.8 million in the box office as opposed to its $12 million budget. It was also nominated for seven Oscars and won four out of six Golden Globe nominations.
Still, the movie seems to be stuck in a big controversy. Now, this controversy can’t be discussed without giving away spoilers. So, don’t forget to watch Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri when it comes out this Thursday on Vox and Reel Cinemas to be updated.
Photo Credits:
Fox Searchlight Pictures
