‘Wild Horse Nine’ CIFF 2026 Review 

With his last two films, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin, Martin McDonagh has cemented himself as not only an Oscar juggernaut but one of the most interesting filmmakers working today. McDonagh’s newest film, Wild Horse Nine, follows two CIA agents named Chris and Lee (John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell respectively) who take a trip to Easter Island to confront their troubled pasts and the current situation they find themselves in. Read our full review for Wild Horse Nine below. 

This review was made possible thanks to a press screening at the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival.

Based on the premise and marketing material I had a vague idea of what I thought Wild Horse Nine would be. I was expecting a buddy comedy of sorts, but it is silly of anyone to aspect something so simple from Martin McDonagh. I was extremely surprised by the tone of this film. It was way more mellow and somber than I was expecting. Don’t worry there is some great comedic dialogue and moments, but at the center of it all is a reflective and tragic story about two people with a rich, decade spanning friendship coming to a head. There is also the added layer of their occupation. It was incredibly refreshing to see a film about CIA agents nearing the end of their career and dealing with the actions of their past. Malkovich’s character specifically is beginning to write his memoir, reflecting on his life and career while contemplating whether his past will make him end up in hell. The script by McDonagh is simply beautiful, lacing the emotional and comedic elements together seamlessly. Making for a truly heartwrenching and surprising film. I was so pleasantly surprised by the unique tone of Wild Horse Nine. 

After the credits started to roll, I instantly wanted it to start again. There is a lot here, from the religious undertones to the meditation on the morality of the CIA to the effects of government intervention on the people. One of the most interesting relationships is between Chris and a college student taking a trip to Easter Island named Monica, played by Mariana di Girolamo. Monica is a rebellious citizen from Chile while Chris is an American CIA agent who is aware of the coup that is about to take place in Chile in September. Despite being on two opposite sides of history they create an unlikely bond that culminates in one of the greatest moments of the film. This is a dense film that finds a way to be wildly entertaining along the way, making a repeat viewing not only a need but a want. 

Yet, this film would not work as well without the two magnificent performances at its center. Everyone needs to be prepared for the very likely prospect of John Malkovich sweeping this awards season. He is spectacular as Chris. He is juggling so many different emotions with ease and endearing you to the character by the first scene. As the film goes on it is made clear that Chris has done some immoral things in the past, but thanks to the pure charm of Malkovich you end up rooting for him the entire way. It is by far one of the best performances of the year and of Malkovich’s career. Then there is Sam Rockwell giving an extremely strong performance as well. Rockwell and Malkovich are electric together, while also making the audience feel the characters deep love for each other. Malkovich is the more showy role, but Rockwell holds his own and delivers a great, more subdued performance. 

Get ready to hear about Wild Horse Nine for not only the rest of the year but until the Academy Awards in March of next year. This is one of the strongest films of the year, with its spectacular performances, stunning mise-en-scene, witty and reflective screenplay, and impeccable direction by Martin McDonagh. Though I would not consider this my personal favorite of the year, with every passing hour I sit with Wild Horse Nine it gets better and better.

Wild Horse Nine is written and directed by Martin McDonagh and stars John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Mariana di Girolamo, Ailín Salas, with Tom Waits and Parker Posey. The film will hit theaters on November 6. 

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