THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI

HELL hath no fury like a griefstricken mother scorned in London-born writer-director Martin McDonagh’s blackly comic thriller which pits one vigilante parent against her local police force in a fictional midwestern town.

Impeccably scripted and blessed with a blistering lead performance from Frances McDormand, this is a near-perfect film in the right place at the right time.

McDonagh’s explosive morality tale is fuelled by the righteous anger of a spirited woman who believes her concerns are being ignored by men in power and will not rest until all lines of inquiry have been exhausted in the pursuit of justice.

Her rebel yell sparks sickening violence that may divide audiences, but brutality always serves the lean, muscular narrative.

McDonagh directs with an assured hand, deftly juggling the ticking time bombs of ghoulish comedy and heartrending tragedy.