Rating of
3/4
Wild Horse Nine - Review
Matthew Brady - wrote on 11/08/26
Lee: “How are the kids?”
Margie: “Who cares?”
You will laugh. You will think. You might feel hurt. And you might cry. That’s just Martin McDonagh’s cinema. Wild Horse Nine, his fourth film, is another standout in his impressive filmography. It’s a funny, dark political comedy with eccentric, memorable characters, but ultimately a deeply moving and thoughtful look at mortality and those nearing the end of long lives.
At the center, John Malkovich (Chris) and Sam Rockwell (Lee) deliver a fantastic double act as bickering CIA agents dispatched from Santiago to Easter Island. This is easily Malkovich’s best performance, as he fits perfectly into the world McDonagh has created. He is wickedly entertaining as the motor-mouth with a bit of sass, Chris, a veteran in his line of work with a deadly kill count of 68, but he doesn’t seem to remember that, or anything, as his mind and health are decaying. Rockwell is brilliant as Lee, who basically babysits Chris, and the funniest parts are Rockwell’s dumbfounded reactions to half the things Chris says. Between the two, there’s general respect, and despite the frustration, they do like each other. You enjoy watching them.
The supporting cast is solid, featuring Steve Buscemi, Parker Posey, and Tom Waits. Mariana Di Girólamo is superb as Monica, a rebellious student on a trip to this island, where she and Chris form an unexpected yet profound bond. I loved her character arc, which I obviously won’t spoil.
The writing is excellent, especially for the actors, and the film is beautifully shot in the island’s stunning sunshine. Easter Island is isolating, though it can be peaceful for the right person. Overall, it’s a bittersweet hangout movie with some violence along the way.
However, the film leaves you with an important question that will keep you thinking for days or weeks: Are there dinosaurs in heaven?
