Filled with laughs, emotion, and heart, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a black comedy movie that’ll leave you surprised. It’s so well crafted and backed by amazing performances. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, this movie hits all the notes right.

Three Billboards is about a mother named Mildred (Frances McDormand) losing her daughter after she was murdered. With the authorities not finding the culprit, Mildred comes across three empty billboards. With some money she has, she rents the billboards for the year. On the billboards is her calling out chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) and how he hasn’t found the person who did it. It’s then a ride of ups and downs as Mildred tries to get the cops to actually do something about the case.

Talk about being a surprise! This movie is unbelievably good! It’s written and directed so well and everyone in the cast brings in their all! The writing and storytelling from Martin McDonagh, who also directed, is simply amazing! It feels rich and new. The direction to be a black comedy was the perfect route to go. The comedy is really good and when this movie goes dark, it doesn’t hold back. Its a perfect blend of both comedy and drama. The story is very impactful and emotional. McDonagh did a wonderful job at mixing in everything and not letting this just be a two-hour drama. The characters are written well and their characteristics very so fit them.

Other than the writing and direction, the performances are really what make the movie. Frances McDormand nails it as Mildred. She plays this loose cannon who does whatever she wants to these cops until they find the culprit. Woody Harrelson as Willoughby is one of his best work as of recent. He does a good job and is this cool, laid-back chief. A performance that knocked it out of the park, however, has to be Sam Rockwell as Dixon. Somewhat of a dimwit but has a solid character arc. Loved his portrayal and his character did provide with some good laughs. Everyone else was good.

Production design was really great, it sometimes feels like the movie is set in modern times but by the look of it, it would be the early 2000s. The setting of this small town of Missouri was a really nice touch. A small town where almost no trouble is heard about, so when the news of the billboard breaks out, it’s everywhere. The cinematography is jaw-dropping. Lots of wide shots of the woods right by the billboards. The billboards, as well, gets some love from the cinematography. The reveal of what each billboard said was masterly done and with a hint of comedy. The editing and pacing go ideally. It’s quick but not too quick. The score and music are very country and go with the setting.

I, personally, have no issues with this movie. Its beautifully done and has incredible performances. The tone of a black comedy mixed with emotion and heart were absolutely well utilized. However, the movie doesn’t hold back on some stuff for comedic purposes. Just a heads up. The movie is an exquisite surprise, in my opinion.

Overall, I do recommend checking out this movie. Beautifully crafted and just gorgeous to see from start to finish. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry. It’s a movie that would have you stunned. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is excellent 4.5/5.