Martin McDonagh film Wild Horse Nine hits theaters
Malkovich earns Venice Best Actor prize for his role as a compromised CIA operative in the new spy thriller.
(Photo via NPR)
The black comedy spy thriller Wild Horse Nine, written and directed by Martin McDonagh, arrived in theaters across the United States and the United Kingdom on Nov. 6, 2026. The film, which runs between 117 and 118 minutes, explores a narrative set in 1973, shortly before the military coup in Chile.
The story centers on two CIA agents, Chris Carlisle, played by John Malkovich, and Lee Chesterfield, portrayed by Sam Rockwell. The pair are dispatched from Santiago to Easter Island. Chris is depicted as an aging, morphine-addicted operative suffering from cancer who has begun to disclose state secrets, leading his superiors to view him as a significant security risk.
The cast also features Steve Buscemi as the bureau chief MJ, alongside Mariana di Girolamo, Ailín Salas, Tom Waits as Chris's brother, and Parker Posey as Marge. The production is a collaborative effort between the United Kingdom, the United States, and Chile.
John Malkovich received the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his performance in the film during its world premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 3, 2026. The film is currently in wide theatrical release.