
The most immediate sign of Christian existentialism in this film is the scene where Mildred, the film’s protagonist, is confronted by the Catholic priest in the town concerning the billboards she rented. They were put up right on Easter, and read: “Raped while dying, and still no arrests? How come, Chief Willoughby?” The priest tells her that the church ultimately detests the billboards, and that her response to her daughter getting raped and murdered is a toxic one. She just responds by comparing the church to a gang, since they’re like their own little cult that the rest of society just sees as a thorn to their side. The subject of church is never brought up again after this early scene. While this could be looked at as attacking the church, it’s still crucial to notice how this proves the way many atheists see the church: condemning outsiders and ignoring the world’s greatest problems. While this priest is seen talking to Mildred in the most loving, well-meaning way possible, he still misunderstands the real problem—the reason she put up the billboards in the first place.