Martin McDonagh's new film, Wild Horse Nine, arrives in theaters on November 6, offering a darkly comedic take on CIA espionage and historical events. The film follows two CIA operatives on a break from orchestrating Augusto Pinochet's coup in early '70s Chile, who find themselves on Easter Island.
Petty Brilliance and Sharp Dialogue
McDonagh, renowned for his sharp and often biting dialogue, delivers once again. The film's script is highlighted as one of his best, featuring witty exchanges that are simultaneously absurd, charming, and insightful. A notable example of the film's humor involves a back-and-forth between Lee (Sam Rockwell) and Chris (John Malkovich) regarding past assassinations, showcasing the power dynamics and verbal sparring that define their relationship. McDonagh's writing style, characterized by these micro-tugs-of-war and callback jokes, makes the dialogue memorable and engaging.
Performances Anchoring the Narrative
Sam Rockwell returns to collaborate with McDonagh, playing Lee, a spy caught between his partner and his agency. John Malkovich co-stars as Chris, a more seasoned operative whose unpredictable nature makes him a liability. The dynamic between Malkovich and Rockwell is central to the film's success, with their bickering providing many of the movie's highlights. Malkovich is particularly noted for deftly handling Chris's complex character, imbuing him with charisma and a search for redemption. Mariana di Girolamo as Monica, a young progressive woman Chris encounters on the island, serves as the film's emotional core, pushing Chris to confront his past.
Thematic Depth and Cinematography
Wild Horse Nine explores themes of guilt, redemption, and loyalty, but grounds them in historical events, adding a layer of depth not present in McDonagh's previous work like In Bruges. The backdrop of the lead-up to Pinochet's coup forces the characters to confront the moral implications of their actions and challenges audiences to consider the consequences of political meddling. Visually, the film adopts a '70s aesthetic, with cinematography that leans into the period. Some shots are stylized to resemble Super 8 footage, and establishing shots of Easter Island's moai are rendered in a grainy, hypersaturated film stock, complementing the film's thematic content.
Ultimately, Wild Horse Nine is described as a great hang, a film that masterfully balances dark humor with character-driven drama and historical commentary. The nuanced performances and sharp writing make it a standout, with the reviewer eager to watch it again.