Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri 2017
Directed by
Martin McDonagh
Made by
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
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.
Timeline
Track the key events of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Mildred's Grief
Mildred Hayes is struggling with the immense sorrow following the murder of her daughter, Angela, seven months prior. This traumatic experience drives her to seek justice in a community that seems to have turned a blind eye.
Billboard Rental
Frustrated with the lack of progress in the investigation, Mildred takes a bold step by renting three dilapidated billboards near her home. These billboards carry pointed messages addressing the local authorities, ramping up the pressure on them to act.
Community Outrage
Mildred's actions provoke anger and controversy within the community, particularly among Sheriff Bill Willoughby and Officer Jason Dixon. Their discontent stems from the accusations levelled against them regarding the investigation into Angela's murder.
Willoughby's Condition
Sheriff Willoughby grapples with his terminal pancreatic cancer while dealing with the fallout from Mildred's billboards. Although he sympathizes with Mildred’s plight, he feels her campaign is disrespectful in light of his deteriorating health.
Robbie's Struggles
As Mildred’s actions gain notoriety, her son Robbie becomes a target for harassment and threats from their community. He feels helpless as he watches his mother pursue her quest for justice amidst rising tensions.
Confrontation with Dixon
In a moment of rage, Dixon intimidates Red Welby, the man who facilitated Mildred's billboard rental, leading to unjust arrests. This incident further escalates the already volatile situation surrounding Mildred's campaign.
Charlie Joins the Fray
Mildred's abusive ex-husband, Charlie, re-enters her life, hurling accusations that she is responsible for Angela's tragic fate. His confrontation adds another layer of tumult to Mildred's quest for justice.
Willoughby's Final Day
After a hospital visit, Willoughby unexpectedly leaves to spend a heartfelt day with his family, particularly focusing on providing them comfort during his failing health. This tender moment contrasts with the chaos surrounding him.
Willoughby's Death
In a tragic turn, Sheriff Willoughby takes his own life, leaving behind notes for key individuals, including one for Mildred. He reassures her of her innocence in his death and reveals that he funded the billboards for an additional month.
Dixon's Outburst
In reaction to Willoughby’s suicide, Dixon violently confronts Red and his staff in a public scene that ultimately leads to his termination. The consequences of this conflict further deepen the community rift.
Destruction of the Billboards
The billboards are destroyed in a brutal act of arson, prompting Mildred to retaliate by attacking the police station with Molotov cocktails. Her actions stem from overwhelming grief and frustration against the injustices she has faced.
Dixon's Reflection
While recovering from his injuries, Dixon reflects on a letter from Willoughby encouraging him to choose love over hate. This moment of introspection marks a pivotal point in his journey of self-discovery.
Unexpected Ally
James, an acquaintance of Mildred, becomes an unexpected ally by creating an alibi for her after the explosive retaliation. His support signifies a budding connection that transcends the surrounding conflicts.
Road Trip to Justice
Mildred and Dixon embark on a tense road trip to Idaho, each driven by their need for resolution to the injustices they've experienced. Their journey is fraught with confessions and a deep exploration of their motivations.
Confronting Their Doubts
As they travel, Mildred and Dixon confront their own doubts and the moral complexities of their actions. This nuanced exploration leads them towards an uncertain yet potentially transformative conclusion.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Mildred Hayes
Mildred is a determined and fierce mother grappling with immense grief after her daughter's tragic murder. Her bold decisions, including the use of billboards to call out law enforcement, showcase her relentless drive for justice, at times blurring the lines of appropriateness. She is portrayed as both a victim of circumstance and a force to be reckoned with.
Sheriff Bill Willoughby
Willoughby is a conflicted sheriff caught between his duties and his deteriorating health. A generally decent man, he empathizes with Mildred but feels the weight of her accusations against him. His terminal illness adds complexity to his character, making his interactions with Mildred poignant as he struggles with his own sense of justice.
Dixon
Dixon is a racist and hotheaded police officer riddled with insecurities and conflicting loyalties. His character evolves from an antagonist to someone who realistically grapples with guilt and redemption as he confronts his own actions. The narrative intricately examines his journey towards understanding and change.
Robbie Hayes
Robbie is Mildred's son, who suffers the fallout of his mother's actions. He is deeply empathetic, feeling the community's backlash towards Mildred’s campaign while grappling with his own grief. His character showcases the impact of tragedy on family dynamics and the strife between anger and survival.
James
James is an unlikely ally for Mildred, providing support during her darkest times. A perceptive and caring character, he helps create an alibi for her after a critical moment. His presence in the story underscores themes of solidarity and unexpected companionship amid chaos and loss.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film is set in a contemporary time period, reflecting societal issues that resonate with modern audiences. Themes such as grief, justice, and moral ambiguity run parallel to current events in many communities.
Location
Ebbing, Missouri
Ebbing is a fictional small town in Missouri that serves as the backdrop for this intense drama. Known for its close-knit community, its tranquility is shattered by the horrific crime at the heart of the story. The billboards placed in this town spark controversy and serve as a catalyst for escalating conflicts among its residents.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Justice
Justice is a central theme as Mildred fights against the perceived indifference of local law enforcement to her daughter's murder. Her unyielding quest reflects the broader struggle for accountability and recognition in the face of loss. The film challenges traditional notions of justice, revealing the personal vendettas that complicate the pursuit of truth.
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Grief
Grief is poignantly portrayed through Mildred's actions, showcasing the profound impact of losing a loved one. The film captures the raw emotions associated with mourning and highlights how it manifests in various ways, influencing relationships and community dynamics. Mildred’s relentless pursuit is fueled by her unresolved sorrow.
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Vengeance
Vengeance drives the narrative as characters respond to injustice and personal grievances. Mildred’s anger leads her to take extreme measures against perceived inadequacies in law enforcement, while other characters grapple with their own motivations for retaliation. The film illustrates the destructive cycle of revenge amidst a quest for justice.
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