dixon

Nine months ago, just outside Ebbing, Missouri, Angela Hayes was raped and murdered. The investigation revealed nothing. The criminal still prowls unhindered; the memory of the young victim remains without justice. Her mother, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand), cannot accept this. Especially since the police seem more concerned with discriminating against blacks or walking around with a proud face. Mildred gathers her few savings to rent three huge signs on the road to the disaster.

«Raped while dying,» reads the first, in capital letters on an aggressive orange background. The other two question the police's lack of seriousness, taking direct aim at Sheriff Willoughby (Woody Harrelson). The latter, who is highly respected by all his fellow citizens, takes the attack on him badly. He is, in fact, terminally ill with cancer. Mildred's delicate, passionate situation earns her the enmity of the town's various authorities. Especially Officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell), who takes the attack to heart and wants to make the vengeful mother's life a nightmare. But he's up against a tough cookie who's ready to fight back.