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Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri 2017

After her daughter's murder, Mildred Hayes, a grieving mother, challenges the local police force by erecting three billboards with accusatory messages. Her bold act ignites a fierce public debate and puts her on a collision course with the town's chief of police and his volatile officers. As tensions rise, the situation spirals into a complex and darkly comedic exploration of grief, justice, and the flaws within a small community.

After her daughter's murder, Mildred Hayes, a grieving mother, challenges the local police force by erecting three billboards with accusatory messages. Her bold act ignites a fierce public debate and puts her on a collision course with the town's chief of police and his volatile officers. As tensions rise, the situation spirals into a complex and darkly comedic exploration of grief, justice, and the flaws within a small community.

Does Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri have end credit scenes?

No!

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Explore the complete cast of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

See how Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

90

In overall strength, Three Billboards excels in its bold tonal shifts and character-driven narrative. Reviews highlight the film’s ability to intertwine dark comedy and harrowing drama, creating a nuanced moral landscape without offering easy answers. The execution is backed by consistent praise for the performances and narrative complexity, though a small number of reviews noted occasional uneven pacing and a divisive conclusion. Overall, the film leaves a lasting impression as a compelling and thought-provoking drama that balances humor, tension, and emotional depth.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

90
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film’s cinematography and production design receive high marks for their vivid landscapes and carefully composed frames. Critics noted the meticulous shot composition and the editing that maintains narrative momentum, while a few dissenting voices questioned certain stylistic excesses. Overall, the visual presentation is both cohesive and striking.

95
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, performances are repeatedly described as Oscar-level, with depth in every lead portrayal. Reviews emphasize Frances McDormand’s unwavering intensity and Sam Rockwell’s nuanced transformation, complemented by Woody Harrelson’s restraint. While one critique found some character arcs thin, the prevailing view is that emotional resonance is a key strength.

85
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the screenplay is praised for its original blend of dark humor and drama, driving engagement through unpredictable tonal shifts. Many reviews commended the measured pacing and the way plot developments build toward the film’s central moral conflicts. A minority found the narrative occasionally uneven, but the overall coherence and originality stand out.

90
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When it comes to sensory experience, the film’s visual style is regularly highlighted for its cohesive color palette and atmospheric small-town setting. Sound design is reported as effective, underscoring moments of tension without distraction, though the musical score received less attention. Overall, the production achieves an immersive and polished audiovisual presentation.

80
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

In terms of rewatch value, the interplay of dark humor and shifting moral perspectives suggests multiple viewings yield fresh insights. Critics and users alike note the film’s dense character moments and layered script as reasons to revisit, although the intense subject matter may limit casual repeat viewings. On balance, it offers substantial replay appeal.

Metacritic

88

Metascore

7.8

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

90%

TOMATOMETER

review

87%

User Score

IMDb

8.1 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

81

%

User Score

Letterboxd

4.0

From 6.9K fan ratings

Movie Insider

3.50/5

From 6 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Quiz: Test your knowledge on the poignant film 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri' and its complex characters and themes.

What tragic event prompts Mildred Hayes to take action?

Awards & Nominations for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


90th Academy Awards 2018

Sam Rockwell
Win

Actor in a Supporting Role

Sam Rockwell
Woody Harrelson
Nomination

Actor in a Supporting Role

Woody Harrelson
Frances McDormand
Win

Actress in a Leading Role

Frances McDormand
Nomination

Film Editing

Nomination

Music (Original Score)

Nomination

Best Picture

Nomination

Writing (Original Screenplay)

Martin McDonagh

71st British Academy Film Awards 2018

Win

Best Film

Nomination

Best Direction

Martin McDonagh
Frances McDormand
Win

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Frances McDormand
Sam Rockwell
Win

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Sam Rockwell
Woody Harrelson
Nomination

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Woody Harrelson
Win

Best Original Screenplay

Martin McDonagh
Ben Davis
Nomination

Best Cinematography

Ben Davis
Nomination

Best Editing

Win

Outstanding British Film

Martin McDonagh

23rd Critics' Choice Awards 2018

Nomination

Best Picture

Nomination

Best Director

Martin McDonagh
Frances McDormand
Win

Best Actress

Frances McDormand
Sam Rockwell
Win

Best Supporting Actor

Sam Rockwell
Win

Best Acting Ensemble

Nomination

Best Original Screenplay

Martin McDonagh

24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2018

Frances McDormand
Win

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Frances McDormand
Sam Rockwell
Win

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Sam Rockwell
Woody Harrelson
Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Woody Harrelson
Win

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

70th Directors Guild of America Awards 2018

Nomination

Feature Film

Martin McDonagh

33rd Artios Awards 2018

Win

Studio or Independent – Drama

75th Golden Globe Awards 2018

Win

Best Motion Picture – Drama

Frances McDormand
Win

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

Frances McDormand
Sam Rockwell
Win

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Musical or Comedy

Sam Rockwell
Nomination

Best Director

Martin McDonagh
Win

Best Screenplay

Martin McDonagh
Nomination

Best Original Score

33rd Film Independent Spirit Awards 2018

Frances McDormand
Win

Best Female Lead

Frances McDormand
Sam Rockwell
Win

Best Supporting Male

Sam Rockwell
Nomination

Best Screenplay

Martin McDonagh

15th Irish Film & Television Academy Awards 2018

Win

Scriptwriter

2017 Toronto International Film Festival Awards 2017

Win

People's Choice Award

Martin McDonagh

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

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Read the complete plot summary of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Mildred Hayes, portrayed by Frances McDormand, is grappling with the profound grief of losing her teenage daughter, Angela, who was tragically murdered seven months earlier. Frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation, she takes a bold stand by renting three dilapidated billboards near her home. These billboards display powerful messages: “R*D WHILE DYING,”** “AND STILL NO ARRESTS?”, and “HOW COME, CHIEF WILLOUGHBY?” This public outcry incites anger and controversy among the townspeople, including Sheriff Bill Willoughby, played by Woody Harrelson, as well as the racist officer Jason Dixon, portrayed by Sam Rockwell. The situation is further complicated by the knowledge that Willoughby is suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer, which only intensifies their disapproval, as he is generally regarded as a decent man.

Mildred’s actions have repercussions for her and her son Robbie, acted by Lucas Hedges, who faces harassment and threats from the community. Despite the pressure, Mildred remains resolute in her pursuit of justice, much to Robbie’s distress. While Willoughby empathizes with Mildred’s pain, he feels that her campaign against him is inappropriate and disrespectful. In a fit of anger, Dixon intimidates Red Welby, played by Caleb Landry Jones, the man who facilitated the billboard rental, and unjustly arrests Mildred’s friend Denise on minor drug charges.

The conflict escalates as Mildred’s abusive ex-husband Charlie, portrayed by John Hawkes, enters the scene, accusing her of causing their daughter’s death. Tensions rise when Willoughby questions Mildred after she injures her dentist during a heated confrontation. In an unsettling turn of events, Willoughby coughs up blood during their conversation. Aware of his deteriorating health, he leaves the hospital unexpectedly, spending a tender day with his wife, Anne, played by Abbie Cornish, and their daughters. Tragically, he ultimately takes his own life, leaving behind notes for several individuals, among which is a personal one for Mildred. In it, he assures her that she was not to blame for his death and reveals that he had secretly funded the billboards to remain up for another month, fully aware of the chaos it would cause.

Following Willoughby’s death, Dixon violently confronts Red and his assistant, a scene witnessed by the incoming replacement sheriff, Clarke Peters, who takes swift action to terminate Dixon’s employment. In a shocking blow, the billboards are destroyed in an act of arson, prompting Mildred to retaliate by launching Molotov cocktails at the police station under the assumption that it is empty. However, Dixon is present, reflecting on a letter left for him by Willoughby that advocates for the abandonment of hate in order to embrace love as a path to becoming a detective. In the chaos, Dixon barely escapes with serious burns as he tries to salvage Angela’s case files.

Meanwhile, James, played by Peter Dinklage, serves as an unexpected ally for Mildred, creating an alibi for her following the explosive incident. As Dixon recuperates, he overhears someone bragging about a suspicious incident echoing Angela’s brutal murder and takes the initiative to track down a potential suspect. As their paths cross, Mildred and Dixon begin a complex journey towards resolving their personal vendettas against injustice, embarking on a tense road trip toward Idaho with a gun in hand. Along the way, they share confessions and confront their doubts, grappling with the gravity of their actions as they proceed toward an uncertain conclusion.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Red Band Trailer

Official Trailer B

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI | Humor And Pathos | FOX Searchlight

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI | The Modern Western Woman | FOX Searchlight

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI | Why The F*** Not | FOX Searchlight

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI | A Town Of Characters | FOX Searchlight

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI | Everyday Darknes | FOX Searchlight

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI | Company Of Actors | FOX Searchlight

Three Billboards...at LFF | Martin McDonagh, Woody Harrelson on the red carpet

Academy Conversations: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Cars Featured in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

See 29 more

Explore all cars featured in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Chevrolet

2010

Equinox

Chevrolet

2007

Silverado

Chevrolet

2007

Tahoe

Ford

1985

B-Series

Ford

1998

Contour

Ford

Crown Victoria

Ford

1992

Econoline

Ford

1992

Econoline

Ford

2003

Explorer

Ford

1992

F-Series

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


billboardambiguous endingsmall towndeath of daughterviolencerevengethrown through a windowangerfiredark comedysuicide by gunshotloss of daughtermolotov cocktailsingle motherpolice brutalityracist copsuicidecoughing up bloodpancreatic cancerpool hallpolice stationrapeamerican flagarsonsuicide notereference to oscar wildecancer patientgay sluradvertising agencygift shopfemale protagonistreference to donald sutherlandbillboard on firefeet on deskhoodieolder man younger woman relationshiptv newsgunpolice badgecrueltyidahohorsegriefcatholic priestthrowing someone out a windowbreaking a glass doorfire extinguisheroverhearing a conversationsecretarydefenestration

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