Wild Horse Nine - Review
LFF Special
Malkovich excels in what is Martin Mcdonagh’s latest duo centric spectacle, set in a stunning 1970s backdrop. Whilst dark in subject matter, it’s also the funniest and most life affirming film I’ve seen this year.
Directed by Martin McDonagh, Running Time 117 Minutes, Distributed by Searchlight Pictures
Review by Mitch Bailey
If a longtime close friend asks you to take them to a remote Polynesian island, show them the unique, blissful environment said island entails, before sitting them down and shooting them in the head, would you honour their wishes? That is the dilemma that faces Lee (Sam Rockwell), a CIA agent whose sick, dying comrade (John Malkovich) wishes to leave the world on his own terms. There’s a small problem however; Chris, the man with the strangely specific death wish, is rapidly losing his memory - and other parties need what is inside his head before it is gone forever.
Martin McDonagh isn’t a novice at making films about complex male duos; the highly rated In Bruges and it’s spiritual successor The Banshees of Inisherin firm proof that with the right cast, the acclaimed director can make magic happen. Wild Horse Nine continues this trend, with Rockwell and Malkovich’s respective characters combining with a screen presence that would leave you thinking the duo are an old married couple. There’s pure brilliance woven into the script - Malkovich’s Chris in particular, every line as hilarious as the previous, an energy no one could have expected from the actor going into this. It’s a performance that deserves all the plaudits, a career best even, one that wouldn’t be out of place seeing victory come Oscar’s night.
Espionage is the main driving force behind the plot of the film - there are many players involved who are willing to go to greater and greater lengths to get to Chris and his amusing, introspective audio recorded memoirs, believed to contain information that could topple some of the biggest government establishments in the United States. It’s up to Lee to make the moral decision - protect the country he serves, or honour and guard his closest companion. Rockwell plays his part to perfection; whether it’s him being Malkovich’s chaperone, misguided husband or cheeky tourist, the 57 year old actor nails what is asked of him throughout. Relative newcomer Mariana di Girolamo is also a highlight - her character Monica, a Chilean student with strong political beliefs is an excellent antidote to the lead duo’s insensitive remarks and dated worldviews, regularly putting them in their place and offering an alternative, fresh outlook on life. Steve Buscemi is the final ingredient that makes McDonagh’s film a treat, playing the sleezy CIA chief who is a thorn in the side of Lee and Chris.
Visually, the film is exceptional. It’s a vibrant work that makes use of colour brilliantly, everything pops on screen. The shot composition is a treat also; cinematographer and long term McDonagh collaborator Ben Davis really adds quality to the film just by the way he shoots these characters together. The detail put into the 1970s setting is impeccable, there has to be a mention here for the costume and art direction teams respectively. It truly is a collaborative marvel.
In 2022, Banshees of Inisherin was my second favourite film of the year. There’s been a big amount of personal anticipation for Martin McDonagh’s next project, and it’s safe to say that Wild Horse Nine is a stunning piece of cinema that is a wonderful addition to the director’s ever impressive filmography.
