I have grown to really enjoy the films of Martin McDonagh. From In Bruges to The Banshees of Inisherin, he has made a career out of movies that explore friendships on the verge of breaking, and his latest film, Wild Horse Nine, does it expertly. Fantastic performances from everyone involved and some of the funniest moments at TIFF 2026 made this movie a joy to watch and one of my favourites of the festival.
Wild Horse Nine follows two CIA agents, Chris (John Malkovich), an older agent nearing the end of his career, and his young protégé, Lee (Sam Rockwell), as they head off on a week-long vacation to Easter Island. It is alluded to that these two have had a hand in destabilizing regions, assassinating people, and manipulating global politics. We only get a small picture of their past as the film starts, but one thing we do know is that they share a strong connection. Even with the fights, they have a deep bond.
It is here that the film slowly dishes out details about the pair’s past, what they have done and how sick Chris really is, all handled with the respect and tact that lets us get to know the characters and everything they have been through. The film slowly reveals where the story is headed and what is at stake for this seemingly casual trip to Easter Island. McDonagh expertly sets the stage for our characters, never painting them as saints but showcasing their connection without getting too caught in the weeds.
Wild Horse Nine, like many of McDonagh’s past works, is very much a black comedy, and he manages to craft one of the funniest films of the festival. The dry, sardonic humour of Chris and Lee is biting but also incredibly funny, so much so that I enjoyed every minute the two were on screen. Malkovich brings the perfect level of absent-minded charm to the role, with the many issues and nonsensical topics he brings up creating some wonderfully absurd moments, all leading to a conclusion that feels earned and heartwarming.
“Wild Horse Nine, like many of McDonagh’s past works, is very much a black comedy, and he manages to craft one of the funniest films of the festival.”
Even the supporting cast, from Steve Buscemi as their superior to Parker Posey as Lee’s wife, helps craft the story and situation in a way that works and feels genuine. While the story’s focus is without a doubt on Lee and Chris, the supporting roles help set the stage for the action and build the tension in some funny and genuinely dark ways.
With all that said, it is the interactions with a young, idealistic student, played by Mariana di Girolamo in her first English-language role, that help set the stakes and showcase where Chris now finds himself after years at the CIA, and that truly sold me on Wild Horse Nine. Their interactions deliver some of the most genuine moments and show how Chris is looking to be a better person in the twilight of his life.
While the story takes place on the verge of the real-life military uprising in Chile, the idealism of the people is still firmly in place, and Chris acts as the nihilistic wrecking ball that shatters this illusion in some of the most fantastic monologues I have seen from Malkovich in quite some time.
From beginning to end, Wild Horse Nine is fantastic, with amazing cinematography, acting, and storytelling. I have been telling everyone who will listen that they need to watch this film whenever possible. I have enjoyed many of McDonagh’s films in the past, but for me, Wild Horse Nine stands at the pinnacle of his work, delivering fantastic moments, biting comedy, and a heart that makes it stand among the best films at TIFF 2026.
It is violent at times and does not shy away from the horrors of people, but at its core, Wild Horse Nine is a story about two people who have worked together for years and share a connection that is stronger than blood. They would do anything for each other. It is darkly funny and incredibly moving, and it is well worth a watch for anyone who demands a little darkness with their laughter. It stands as my personal best of this year’s festival.
