CIA agents Chris and Lee face a trust-testing mission from Santiago to Easter Island during 1973 in Chile.
Director: Martin McDonagh
Cast: John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits, Parker Posey
Release Date: November 6, 2026
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Rated R for pervasive language, some strong violence, drug use and sexual references.
Runtime: 1h 58m
Review:
Martin McDonagh’s latest film, Wild Horse Nine, finds the writer/director at the top of his game as he brings his signature black humor and razor-sharp dialogue in the form of a 70’s set period piece that gives John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell plenty of time to shine. Those familiar with McDonagh’s previous films will find plenty of similar themes running throughout the narrative with the story playing out like a spiritual successor to his 2008 film, In Bruges. The setting and time period allows him to have bit of fun with history with the central crux of the plot revolving around a famous assassination. It initially feels like that plot point might be used as fun bit of texture for the characters, but McDonagh is able to use to really drive home his meditation on mortality and lingering regrets about choices made. It’s a rather fascinating approach that so deftly done that it makes the 70’s set film feel incredibly timely and relevant to the state of the world today. That’s not to say the script doesn’t contain his signature style of comedy because it does in spades but like his best films there’s a tangible, beating heart underneath it all. It sets up the central duo of John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell to deliver some strong performances which should garner plenty of awards when the time comes. Malkovich and Rockwell have a natural chemistry together which gives their relationship a believable sense of authenticity which makes the emotional stakes land far more effectively. Rockwall is perfectly suited for the role of Lee Chesterfield, John Malkovich’s protégé, by bringing the kind of effortless charm and coolness that has become his bread and butter. He’s the rare kind of performer that can pull this off while maintaining a sense that his character truly cares about his friend and mentor. John Malkovich is even better as the assassin who’s losing his memory, battle with cancer and his ability to keep the endless secrets that have dominated his life and career. Malkovich brings his very specific energy to the character paired with a palpable sense of melancholy as he tries to piece together his memories for his memoir that’ll never see the light of day. It’s a fascinating performance that really allows him to explore every nook and cranny of his character dense psyche and worldview. It’s the kind of performance that should finally garner him the Academy award that’s eluded him during his distinguished career. The supporting cast is populated with recognizable faces such as Steve Buscemi, Parker Posey and Tom Waits with each getting some time to shine but ultimately Wild Horse Nine is Malkovich and Rockwell film.
A
