Despite a relatively small filmography, Martin McDonagh has become a must-watch director for many, with his razor-sharp dialogue, laugh-out-loud humour and knack for bringing together a stellar cast. His latest feature, Wild Horse Nine, was consequently one to look out for at the London Film Festival attendees and garnered much anticipation. John Malkovich (Burn After Reading) and Sam Rockwell (Jojo Rabbit) star as CIA agents dispatched to Easter Island by their chief, where the island’s iconic statues provide a backdrop for dark pasts and present conspiracies. When Chris (Malkovich) strikes up an unexpected bond with two rebellious students, the mission threatens to go sideways. It might not sound like the most immediately gripping set-up, but McDonagh makes another excellent watch with his trademark humour, a terrific performance from Malkovich and a surprising amount of heart beneath the laughs.
While the political backdrop of 1973 Chile, shortly before the military coup, provides an interesting foundation for Wild Horse Nine, the film’s real strength lies in its exploration of a longstanding friendship between two men. This unexpected emotional core proves to be one of its biggest assets, with Malkovich’s character saying whatever happens to cross his mind, while Rockwell’s is considerably more reserved and careful about what he lets slip. The contrast makes them a wonderfully entertaining pairing, with their exchanges producing some of the film’s biggest laughs as they veer between the most random conversations and the sort of nonsense you’d expect from a pair of stoned teenagers. There is more to their relationship than the comedy initially suggests, however. As the plot unfolds, their bond becomes increasingly strained, introducing an intriguing question of whether Rockwell’s character will ultimately put his friendship first. The political context is certainly present, but it’s this more personal conflict that gives the story its heart, with plenty of tension present, too.
Malkovich is simply extraordinary here. McDonagh’s writing gives him plenty of great material to work with, but the actor takes it several steps further with a delivery that can be hilarious one moment and surprisingly tender the next, never losing your attention. His character is bold, brash and seemingly incapable of keeping a thought to himself, yet there’s more nuance beneath that outspoken exterior when we’re given quieter moments alone with him. Malkovich handles these shifts brilliantly, ensuring there’s more to the character than the laughs. Rockwell is equally important to the pairing, providing the perfect foil to Malkovich’s larger-than-life personality whilst delivering plenty of the film’s humour through his facial expressions alone. The two are an absolute dream together. Steve Buscemi (Pulp Fiction) and Parker Posey (Scream 3) make the most of their limited screen time, squeezing plenty of laughs out of their appearances, while Mariana di Girolamo (Ema) impresses as a student who develops an intriguing bond with Malkovich’s character. It’s a terrific ensemble, but Malkovich and Rockwell are the real stars of the show.
It’s those technical aspects where McDonagh’s flair really gets to shine. Easter Island is a vibrant and beautiful setting, with its lush greenery and distinctive statues making for some gorgeous cinematography. Cinematographer Ben Davis, who also worked on McDonagh’s previous film, The Banshees of Inisherin, does a great job of capturing the rural landscape whilst framing the characters in a way that complements the dialogue-heavy story. Although most of the film revolves around conversations and the back-and-forth between its leads, there’s also a decent pay-off in the third act, bringing some welcome action and tension into the mix. McDonagh clearly knows what he’s doing behind the camera, and with the performances, cinematography and writing all working so well together, Wild Horse Nine is another example of his ability to bring every element of a film together to create an entertaining, enjoyable viewing experience.
Suffice it to say that Wild Horse Nine is another winner from Martin McDonagh, combining his trademark dark humour with a surprisingly heartfelt story about friendship. Malkovich and Rockwell are an absolute joy to watch together, with their brilliant chemistry and hilarious exchanges making the film well worth your time. Add in a gorgeous setting, a strong supporting cast and some interesting political themes, and there’s plenty to admire here. It might not sound like the most exciting premise on paper, but McDonagh proves once again that great writing and the right cast can go a long way.
