Movie Review: ‘The Cat in the Hat’ ridiculously builds the stakes so high, the universe could die

In Martin McDonagh's new film "Wild Horse Nine," CIA agent Christopher (played by John Malkovich) imagines a Western from the horse's perspective - a "downbeat Western," he explains to his partner, Lee (Sam Rockwell), who dismissively replies, "There's no way I'm seeing that Western."

The film, McDonagh's self-aware nod to his own work, follows a darkly comedic and mournful tale of regret and atonement for a life of violence. Chris, who has devoted his career to killing for the U.S. government, is now facing his own death due to cancer.

During their trip to Easter Island in 1973, the CIA agents encounter unsettling events. Upon arriving, they learn about the impending military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet, which will topple the democratically elected president Salvador Allende. Chris, aware that their presence in Chile is to destabilize the government, teases two enthusiastic Allende supporters and admits they are CIA operatives.

Despite the ominous atmosphere, Chris plans to write a memoir, prompting his employer, MJ (Steve Buscemi), to have Lee investigate the contents. They quickly discover that Chris' memoir could contain information about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. As Lee and Chris navigate their situation, the film showcases McDonagh's signature acerbic wit and dark humor, with memorable performances from Rockwell, Malkovich, and Parker Posey.