# John Malkovich Is an Instant Oscar Favorite in Martin McDonagh’s ‘Wild Horse Nine’ | Review

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/john-malkovich-is-an-instant-oscar-favorite-in-martin-mcdonaghs-wild-horse-nine-review/
- Published: 2026-10-22T18:13:26+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-22T20:43:55+00:00
- Original publisher: Collider
- Original article: https://collider.com/wild-horse-nine-review-john-malkovich-sam-rockwell/
- Topics: Art, Culture

## Key points

- Malkovich stars as an ageing CIA operative in McDonagh’s new film.
- A mission on Easter Island tests friendship and duty.
- The review praises the film’s dark humour and emotional core.

## Summary

Set in 1973, Martin McDonagh’s *Wild Horse Nine* follows CIA operatives Chris and Lee, played by John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, on a trip to Easter Island that becomes an official mission. The review praises Malkovich’s performance and the film’s blend of dark comedy, emotional depth and real-world commentary, suggesting it could bring him Oscar recognition.

Chris’s failing memory worries their boss, MJ, while Lee must weigh loyalty to his friend against duty to his country. The review highlights the chemistry between Malkovich and Rockwell, describing their characters’ friendship as central to the story and calling Malkovich’s role his finest since *Burn After Reading*. Malkovich has received two Oscar nominations but has yet to win.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.