Euronews Culture's Film of the Week: 'Wild Horse Nine' – Guns, coups, and suicidal birds
Essentially a companion piece to McDonagh's debut 'In Bruges', 'Wild Horse Nine' can feel like familiar ground. However, John Malkovich makes every acerbic, funny and at times surprisingly moving line of dialogue a joy to watch, and he's a shoo-in for Best Actor at next year's Oscars.
Martin McDonagh's latest black comedy, "Wild Horse Nine," follows two CIA operatives, Chris and Lee, who embark on a holiday to Easter Island prior to the 1973 Chilean coup. The duo, played by John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, are bickering and dysfunctional, seeking a warped connection in a world that seems determined to imperil redemption.
While on their trip, the operatives encounter two pro-Salvador Allende students, leading to verbal sparring. However, Chris's cognitive decline and impending death complicate their vacation.
CIA boss MJ, played by Steve Buscemi, fears Chris's indiscretions, including his potential role in JFK's assassination, may jeopardize the agency. The film combines elements from McDonagh's previous works, such as "In Bruges," "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," and "The Banshees of Inisherin," creating a satisfying and witty black comedy.
Despite some self-indulgent moments and underused female characters, the film shines through the chemistry between Malkovich and Rockwell. With John Malkovich delivering a standout performance, "Wild Horse Nine" is a contender for Oscar glory.
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