Rockwell’s Spy Movie Is Officially Among 2026’s Highest-Rated Thrillers
A spy story on Easter Island
Wild Horse Nine follows CIA agents Lee Chesterfield and Chris Carlisle, played by Rockwell and Malkovich. Their handler, MJ, portrayed by Steve Buscemi, sends them to Easter Island to take in the scenery.
Set shortly before the coup that toppled Chilean President Salvador Allende, the story finds the agents confronting their past involvement in foreign affairs. Their mission is put at risk when they become involved with two rebellious students.
McDonagh returns to theaters
The film marks writer-director Martin McDonagh’s first feature since The Banshees of Inisherin, which was nominated for Best Picture. Wild Horse Nine is scheduled for a wide release this Friday.
At its Venice International Film Festival debut, the film received a 13-minute standing ovation. Its leading actors also drew praise at the festival.
Reviews point to awards prospects
Wild Horse Nine has a 94% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 136 reviews. That score matches The Odyssey, which the article describes as a leading Best Picture favorite.
Collider reviewer Aidan Kelley gave the film 9/10, praising the pairing of Rockwell and Malkovich. Kelley called Malkovich’s work his “finest performance since Burn After Reading.” McDonagh could receive another Oscar nomination, including a possible Original Screenplay nod.
Key points
- Wild Horse Nine stars Sam Rockwell and John Malkovich as CIA agents.
- The story takes place on Easter Island in 1973, shortly before a coup in Chile.
- The film has a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score from 136 reviews.
- Director Martin McDonagh’s latest film could enter the Oscar race.