Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Mildred Hayes paints the first billboard demanding justice for her daughter; the town watches, unease and anger simmering.

Mildred (to herself): “They took my daughter, and they’re doing nothing.” Theme: grief, justice, and moral responsibility.

Mildred completes all three billboards, igniting controversy with Chief Willoughby and the police; the town is polarized.

Officer Dixon retaliates violently when Mildred confronts him; the conflict escalates beyond protest.

Mildred wrestles with guilt, purpose, and possible danger. Should she keep pushing, or is she putting herself at risk?

Mildred continues her campaign, visiting people, provoking confrontation, demanding attention. She is deeply committed.

Mildred’s interactions with her family and the town deepen: she meets with her daughter’s friends, the grieving community, and reflects on what justice means.

Verbal sparring, tense meetings, and small victories: Mildred’s billboards draw media attention, local reactions, and conversations.

A turning point: a tragic incident forces the community to reckon with her message. Justice seems possible but fragile.

Local police, political pressures, and public backlash mount. Mildred faces personal danger and moral compromise.

A shocking loss or betrayal makes Mildred doubt her fight and her ability to bring real change.

Mildred reflects on her daughter, regret, and whether she has done more harm than good.

She makes a bold decision to escalate her efforts — not just as protest, but as legacy for her daughter.

The community comes together in an uneasy truce; consequences are faced; justice is ambiguous but voices have been heard.

Mildred stands by her last billboard, battered but resolute. The fight continues — she has made her mark.