Three

Three

Year: 2016

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: Johnnie To

ActionThrillerCrime

In a tense game of cat and mouse, a cunning criminal orchestrates his own demise in a police sting gone wrong. As he lies wounded in the hospital, he plots his escape with his cohorts, drawing an obsessive cop and a conflicted surgeon into a deadly standoff that threatens to erupt into chaos at any moment.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Three (2016)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Three (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in contemporary times, highlighting modern societal issues such as the inadequacies of law enforcement and the fight for justice. This period reflects ongoing discussions about victims' rights and community activism, resonating with current events.

Location

Ebbing, Missouri

Ebbing is a small town in Missouri, known for its close-knit community and the struggles of its residents. The town serves as a backdrop for the intense drama surrounding the unresolved case of Angela's murder. Its familiarity among the townspeople contrasts sharply with the anger and chaos that Mildred's actions evoke.

🗺️ Location 📍 Town

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Main Characters – Three (2016)
Meet the key characters of Three (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand)

Mildred is a fierce and relentless mother, grappling with overwhelming grief and frustration. She is determined to seek justice for her daughter, using bold and controversial methods that disrupt her community. Her character embodies resilience and the complexities of a mother’s love in the face of tragedy.

💪 Strong-willed 😢 Grieving 🔥 Determined

Sheriff Bill Willoughby (Woody Harrelson)

Sheriff Willoughby is a well-intentioned but flawed lawman, torn between his duty and empathy for Mildred. His struggles with terminal illness and personal ethics add depth to his character, as he navigates the fallout from Mildred's billboards. He represents the moral complexities within the justice system.

👮 Lawman 😔 Tormented 💔 Compassionate

Jason Dixon (Sam Rockwell)

Dixon is a troubled and racist police officer whose aggressive behavior is central to the film's tension. His character arc reflects the battle between hate and redemption as he grapples with the consequences of his actions. Dixon embodies the struggle for personal transformation amidst societal expectations.

👮‍♂️ Officer 🔥 Aggressive 🔄 Transformative

Robbie Hayes (Lucas Hedges)

Robbie is Mildred's son, who deals with the weight of his sister’s death and his mother's obsession with justice. His character represents the younger generation trying to cope with family trauma while navigating his own emotional turmoil. He embodies the collateral damage of grief and its impact on family dynamics.

👦 Grieving 💔 Supportive 😟 Troubled

Charlie Hayes (John Hawkes)

Charlie is Mildred's abusive ex-husband who struggles with his own demons. His character reflects toxic masculinity and the bitterness that can arise from loss and blame in familial relationships. His interactions with Mildred reveal deeper wounds that complicate the grief of losing their daughter.

💔 Abusive 😡 Bitter 🥺 Troubled

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Major Themes – Three (2016)
Explore the central themes of Three (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Grief

Grief is a central theme, explored through Mildred's desperation and anger after the loss of her daughter. Her actions stem from an unyielding sorrow that drives her to seek justice against a backdrop of indifference. The film poignantly illustrates how grief can both empower and isolate individuals in their quest for closure.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice permeates the narrative, as Mildred's billboard campaign challenges the local authorities to take action. The film presents differing perspectives on justice, depicting the frustrations of a mother who feels unheard and the moral complexities faced by law enforcement. It raises questions about accountability and the lengths one will go to seek fairness.

💥 Rebellion

Rebellion is depicted through Mildred’s defiance against a system that has failed her. Her bold actions, such as renting the billboards and later attacking the police station, signify a refusal to accept the status quo. This rebellion illustrates the transformative power of anger and determination in the face of systemic injustices.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

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