John Malkovich’s R-Rated Crime Thriller Debuts With Stellar Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

A mission on Easter Island

Wild Horse Nine is set in 1973, shortly before Augusto Pinochet’s coup in Chile. CIA agents Chris Carlisle and Lee Chesterfield travel from Santiago to Easter Island for a covert assignment.

Their trip brings them face to face with two students whose actions could change the mission. The agents also confront choices and unresolved events from their past. Malkovich and Rockwell play the agents, while Steve Buscemi portrays their boss.

Strong early audience response

The film currently has a 92% Verified Hot audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Moviegoers have praised its twists, cinematography and cast, particularly the chemistry between Malkovich and Rockwell.

Some viewers have suggested Malkovich could receive an Oscar nomination or win for his performance. Others have noted the story’s relevance to current events. Critics have given the film a 94% Certified Fresh score and also praised its acting and story.

McDonagh returns to directing

Martin McDonagh directed, wrote and produced Wild Horse Nine. His previous work includes Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, which earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, and The Banshees of Inisherin, which brought nominations in those categories and for Best Director.

McDonagh’s short film Six Shooter won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film. In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths also received awards-season recognition. Graham Broadbent, Peter Czernin and Anita Overland produced Wild Horse Nine with him.

Cast, earnings and Oscar outlook

The film has grossed $12.6 million so far. Its additional cast members include Tom Waits, Parker Posey, Mariana Di Girólamo and Ailín Salas.