Paramount+’s The Last Stand of Ellen Cole Mirrors the Award-Winning Power of Three Billboards

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Hard to believe, but right now, Paramount+ boasts an original action series that’s dominating streaming platforms worldwide. This gripping series is titled “The Last Stand of Ellen Cole” and features Lin Shaye, best known for her role in “Insidious,” as the main character. In this story, Shaye portrays Ellen, a senior woman who is forced to use violence to safeguard her home from an unscrupulous contractor.

Instead, let me recommend another highly acclaimed movie from 2017 that you might want to watch: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” This film carries a layer of dark humor, but it also possesses a profound moral and emotional depth. The character of Mildred Hayes, portrayed by American actress Frances McDormand, is a grieving mother who struggles to come to terms with the rape/murder of her teenage daughter, Angela. Alongside Woody Harrelson, as the chief of police Bill Willoughby, and Sam Rockwell, playing the role of police officer Jason Dixon, this gripping tale unfolds in a small town. Mildred is on a quest to honor her daughter’s memory amidst the community’s discomfort with three large billboards that demand justice for Angela.

‘Three Billboards’ Features a Mother on a Quest To Save Her Daughter’s Memory

Although Mildred might not possess the deadly abilities that Ellen is said to have, being a trained assassin, she takes necessary actions to maintain focus on her case by the police department. For instance, as suggested by the movie’s title, she purchases large billboards to criticize Willoughby for neglecting her daughter’s case. Moreover, she goes as far as setting fire to the police station using Molotov cocktails from a distance. These women, indeed, show great courage in challenging the existing power structure. There can be no doubt about that.

Despite limited information about Ellen Cole’s story beyond its initial premise, she boldly stands up for justice on her own. The movie “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” expands upon this solo crusader narrative by replacing the typical secret backstory of the female protagonist with complex emotional journeys for multiple characters. This compelling crime drama earned recognition at the 2017 Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Saturn Awards for a reason. Throughout the film, Mildred’s sharp wit in dealing with the police is interspersed with more solemn scenes as well.

‘Three Billboards’ Has Characters With Depth

In some solitary instances, she attempts to mend the emptiness within her by conversing with a solitary deer that frequently appears near the billboards, or by engaging in a conversation with her own feet when alone. The viewers also observe that her daughter’s room remains untouched since the tragic event. Despite occasional dark humor, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri doesn’t shy away from addressing grief and loss in a deeply impactful manner.

Ms. McDormand powerfully portrays a tormented mother, while Harrelson and Rockwell skillfully embody complex character types. Initially, they appear as typical small-town police officers who prioritize prejudice over all else. However, as events unfold, they come to sympathize with Mildred, making for a compelling narrative journey – albeit one that carries a heavy price.

In the film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, it’s portrayed that although there are uncontrollable circumstances in life, our responses are within our power. Similar to Ellen, Mildred refuses to yield to her hardship and instead, she finds a sense of resolution in the process. The movie cleverly deviates from conventional crime film endings. Instead of finding the answer she desperately sought after, Ms. Hayes’ conclusion ultimately proves fruitless.

In much the same way as the twists and turns of a genuine missing person’s investigation can torment the unfortunate victim’s loved ones, so too does the plot unfold in a manner that mimics this heartache for Mildred. Recognizing a scapegoat as a less than ideal solution, she enlists an unexpected accomplice in what appears to be a quest for retribution. Initially questioning their actions, they eventually press forward. This hesitation reveals the characters’ inherent moral compass, adding depth and complexity to the story that has elevated this 2017 film to the status of a timeless classic.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is now available for rental on Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV.

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2025-05-18 00:34