I didn’t like In Bruges. The 2008 film written and directed by Martin McDonagh required smoothness which couldn’t be achieved with a blunt force instrument. Even his Oscar-winning short Six Shooter felt unformed and nasty. Regarding Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri the consensus seems solid. Actually, this proves to be 180 degrees from what the filmmaker has done previously. As such, I got caught up in the wit, human subtleties and particularly the emotional content.

Dramatically, there’s revenge, grief, hope and action. Seven months after Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) lost her daughter, she still wants the murderer and rapist behind bars. To shake things up, she rents three billboards that hold Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) to account. However, without any fresh leads it’s difficult to gain closure. Still, that doesn’t prevent Mildred from doing everything she can to find the culprit.

With Frances McDormand, she’s thoroughly convincing from first step to curtain call. Truly, it’s a joy to see her bond emotionally to a character. Therefore, actions resonate far greater than words. This gift -- responding wordlessly to various situations -- ends up being a trait shared by her close collaborators.

Undeniably, Woody Harrelson deserves some recognition. I’ve enjoyed his performances ever since White Men Can’t Jump. With Chief Willoughby, what may seem a dyed in the wool, seen it all don’t tell me about it philosophy soon develops a fascinating arc. It might be our job to peel away the layers, seeking emotional synchronicity, yet he provides the tools. That makes all the difference between a two dimensional fop and one whose corner we can share.

Equally, Sam Rockwell delivers a career crowning performance. Because he’s in good company, this allows story transitions -- relative to personality and motivation -- a degree of natural finesse.

Netting a very fine Carter Burwell score, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri represents greatness. For Martin McDonagh, this breakthrough rectifies any previous doubts I had about his abilities. 

(Released by Fox Searchlight Pictures and rated "R" by MPAA.)