1 Theory About the Big Mystery in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a frontrunner at the Oscars this year for many reasons. The film’s narrative ties into the #MeToo movement with almost eerie precision, it addresses police brutality in a controversial way that has spurred a lot of conversation, and finally, it has Frances McDormand, whose gravitas carries the film like no other actress could.
But one thing we haven’t been talking about is a key plot point involving the ghastly rape and murder of Angela (Kathryn Newton), teenage daughter of Mildred Hayes (McDormand). If you haven’t seen the film yet, don’t read the rest of this article unless you want to be spoiled.
Angela’s murder is the reason why Mildred purchases the billboards, to send a message to Police Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson), who has failed to solve the crime after more than six months. Not only is Angela sexually assaulted before her death, but she is also burned alive (the film doesn’t depict the actual crime on screen — it’s only referred to). It doesn’t take a seasoned investigator to figure out that this is a crime of passion.
The Martin McDonagh film never reveals who killed Angela, although it certainly throws red herrings at audiences, including a guy who Officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell)…
Comments