Martin McDonagh's Wild Horse Nine is a sharply written black comedy political thriller set shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup. Following two CIA agents, Chris Carlisle (John Malkovich) and Lee Chesterfield (Sam Rockwell), on a trip to Easter Island, the film gradually unravels a complicated story involving political conspiracies, personal loyalties and some very dark secrets. McDonagh combines outrageous humour with an unexpectedly moving exploration of friendship, ageing and regret, while the remote island setting provides an atmospheric backdrop to the increasingly dangerous situation.
John Malkovich is outstanding as the unpredictable Chris, delivering one of the strongest performances of his career, while Sam Rockwell provides an excellent counterbalance as his conflicted colleague. Their chemistry is central to the film's success, with Steve Buscemi also making a memorable impression. Although the female characters deserved more development and the comedy occasionally struggles alongside the seriousness of its historical subject matter, Wild Horse Nine remains an extremely entertaining film. Wickedly funny, beautifully performed and unexpectedly emotional, it is another impressive addition to McDonagh's filmography.
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