Wild Horse Nine First Reactions Say Banshees of Inisherin Director Has Made His Best Movie Yet

Martin McDonagh’s latest film has made a strong first impression at the Venice Film Festival. Wild Horse Nine premiered on September 3, 2026, and early reactions are already calling it one of the director’s best films. The dark comedy stars John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as CIA agents.

The first reactions are especially high on Malkovich. AwardsWatch’s Erik Anderson praised the film in his post on X. He called Wild Horse Nine “probably Martin McDonagh’s best film” and said it features “one of John Malkovich’s best ever performances.” Anderson also described the film as “cynical and sad but funny as hell” and praised the cast’s performances.

Another X user, @kristapley, “adored” the film and said Malkovich’s work “truly might be his greatest performance.” He wrote, “McDonagh movies are an event at this stage, one of the most consistently original voices in cinema.” Meanwhile, @umurtas said the rumors about the movie were “all true,” adding that Venice was showering it with praise and that Malkovich had entered the awards conversation alongside Matt Damon, Tom Cruise, and Andrew Scott.

What is Wild Horse Nine about?

Wild Horse Nine is a dark comedy written and directed by McDonagh. The story takes place shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup and follows CIA agents Chris and Lee, played by John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell. Their bureau chief, MJ, sends them from Santiago to Easter Island for an assignment.

The mission becomes complicated as Chris and Lee confront their troubled past and new conspiracies surrounding their work. Chris also develops a friendship with two rebellious students, played by Mariana Di Girolamo and Ailín Salas. Their presence makes the agents’ plans more difficult.

The film marks McDonagh’s first feature since The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), which earned nine Oscar nominations. His filmography also includes In Bruges (2008), Seven Psychopaths (2012), and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017). His latest project once again blends dark humor with serious themes.

The cast also includes Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits, Parker Posey, Mariana Di Girolamo, and Ailín Salas. Ben Davis serves as cinematographer, while Carter Burwell provides the score.

Wild Horse Nine is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 6, 2026.

Source: Comingsoon.net