Sam Rockwell’s New Spy Movie Is Officially One of 2026’s Highest-Rated Thrillers

Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy spy thriller *Wild Horse Nine*, starring Sam Rockwell and John Malkovich, is due in cinemas this Friday after its Venice festival debut. Its strong early reviews place it among 2026’s highest-rated thrillers and could boost its awards prospects.

Set on Easter Island in 1973, the film follows two CIA agents whose assignment becomes complicated as they confront their past and grow close to rebellious students. It has a 94% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes from 136 reviews, tying it with *The Odyssey*; one reviewer praised the leads’ chemistry and Malkovich’s performance.