Wild Horse Nine (2026) is a dark comedy-drama thriller written and directed by Martin McDonagh, the filmmaker known for The Banshees of Inisherin, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and In Bruges. The film brings together political tension, complicated relationships, sharp humour, and questions about morality against the distinctive landscape of Easter Island.Show More
Set shortly before the 1973 military coup in Chile, the story follows two CIA officers, Chris Carlisle and Lee Chesterfield, who are sent from Santiago to Easter Island by their bureau chief, MJ. What initially appears to be a journey away from their usual responsibilities gradually becomes an unsettling experience involving old secrets, professional loyalties, and unresolved personal histories.
Chris, an experienced intelligence officer, carries a complicated past and a growing desire to reflect on the consequences of his actions. His longtime partner and protégé, Lee, accompanies him on the journey, but their relationship is tested as hidden agendas and uncomfortable truths begin to surface. Meanwhile, MJ remains concerned about the potential consequences of Chris's intentions and the information he might reveal.
Away from the political atmosphere of Santiago, the island's remarkable stone statues and remote surroundings provide an unusual backdrop for the unfolding conflict. Chris also develops an unexpected connection with two rebellious Chilean students, Monica and Alicia. Their presence introduces a different perspective into the journey and challenges the assumptions held by the intelligence officers.
As the story progresses, the characters find themselves navigating conflicting loyalties, personal regrets, and questions about the past. The film explores how people respond when their beliefs, relationships, and professional responsibilities begin pulling them in different directions.
Featuring John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, and Mariana di Girolamo, Wild Horse Nine combines an ensemble-driven story with Martin McDonagh's distinctive approach to dark humour and human conflict.
