In theaters on November 6th is ‘Wild Horse Nine,’ which stars Sam Rockwell (‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’) and John Malkovich (‘Opus’).
“Sometimes you’ve got to do a terrible thing for the greater good.”
Release Nov 6, 2026Runtime 1h 57m
Written and directed by Martin McDonagh (‘The Banshees of Inisherin’), the cast for the movie also includes Steve Buscemi (‘Fargo’), Mariana Di Girolamo (‘Ema’), Ailín Salas (‘XXY’), Parker Posey (‘Thelma’) and Tom Waits (‘Seven Psychopaths’).
Related Article: John Malkovich and Mark Ruffalo Join Martin McDonagh’s ‘Wild Horse Nine’
Initial Thoughts
If there’s one thing we’ve come to expect from playwright-turned-filmmaker Martin McDonagh, it’s verbose, smart scripts that crackle with great lines. If there’s another, it’s his eye for excellent casting. We’re happy to report that his latest, ‘Wild Horse Nine,’ can boast both, and for this writer at least, is even more entertaining than his Oscar-nominated ‘The Banshees of Inisherin.’
Script and Direction
As mentioned, McDonagh knows his way around a story and always features memorable, chatty and quirky characters, while often also diving into dark criminal comedy. ‘Wild Horse Nine’ keeps his reputation well intact, and also sees him guiding the likes of Rockwell (a repeat McDonagh player) and Malkovich (a newcomer to the filmmaker’s work).
While less focused on the visuals, McDonagh’s latest nevertheless benefits from beautiful Easter Island backdrops and great cinematography from Ben Davis.
Cast and Performances
Though this is primarily the Rockwell and Malkovich show (who play off each other brilliantly as old friends, colleagues and CIA agents), there’s room for the rest of the cast to shine when needed, including Buscemi as their endlessly exasperated boss.
Chilean film star Mariana Di Girolamo, meanwhile, sparkles as Monica, a young revolutionary who sparks an unlikely friendship with Malkovich’s Chris, while Parker Posey is sharp and spiky as Lee’s unhappy wife.
Final Thoughts
McDonagh’s new comedy drama has rightfully been picking up awards buzz, particularly for its cast and its screenplay. It’s another winner from the talented Irish writer/director.
‘Wild Horse Nine’ receives 89 out of 100.
What is the plot of ‘Wild Horse Nine’?
Shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup, CIA agents Chris (John Malkovich) and Lee (Sam Rockwell) are dispatched from Santiago to Easter Island by their bureau chief, MJ (Steve Buscemi). Amongst the Island’s iconic statues, and as the longtime partners wrestle with their dark pasts and present conspiracies, Chris’ newfound bond with a pair of rebellious students (Mariana di Girolamo and Ailín Salas) threatens to send everyone’s trip to this remote paradise sideways.
Who is in the cast of ‘Wild Horse Nine’?
- John Malkovich as Chris Carlisle
- Sam Rockwell as Lee Chesterfield
- Tom Waits as Jim
- Parker Posey as Marge
- Mariana di Girolamo as Monica
- Ailín Salas as Alicia
List of Martin McDonagh Movies:
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