Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

THE GIST: Mildred Hayes's daughter was raped and murdered several months ago and no arrests have been made, only deepening her sense of grief. Upset by what she sees as carelessness, Mildred rents out three huge billboards on the way into town and puts up a message directly accusing the revered local chief of police of negligence. This causes a largely negative reaction from the townspeople, especially from the chief's hotheaded deputy.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a drama with some touches of dark comedy and an affecting mystery/crime in the background.

Nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Score (Carter Burwell), Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Supporting Actor (Woody Harrelson), it took home two acting awards, for Best Lead Actress (Frances McDormand) and Best Supporting Actor (Sam Rockwell).

THE BOTTOM LINE: A very good movie that was the runner-up in the Best Picture race (it lost out to The Shape of Water), this is definitely a title I recommend.

Grade: 8.5