There are a lot of people that cross your path in life. Some of them are people you seek out and some of them are people you’re paired with. No matter how they come into your life, they can become a big part of your journey.

We all have that one person at work that makes the job fun. You work closely with them, and you begin to share your life. For some, it’s that connection through work that becomes the defining relationship of their life. You become friends to the end.

Wild Horse Nine, the latest from Martin McDonagh, is about that kind of friendship. It takes the action back to the 1970s and focuses on a pair of CIA operatives who have built a lasting friendship after years of being partnered. They are more than co-workers, they are family.

We pick up in 1973 in Santiago, Chile. Chris (John Malkovich) has been with the company for decades, running covert missions, destabilizing governments, and changing the face of the world. His partner, Lee (Sam Rockwell), has been by his side for a while. And he’s working on documenting his partner’s life and career. These are more than just stories; they are a part of history.

But Chris, who is closer to the end, has lost some of his filter. He and Lee are taking a trip to Easter Island to fulfill Chris’s dream of seeing the Big Heads. But Chris has trouble keeping his life and work under wraps. That’s drawn the attention of their boss, MJ (Steve Buscemi), who is committed to the clandestine part of the CIA mission.

As the two enjoy time on the road, it becomes clear there is more to the trip. There is also more to Chris losing his filter and Lee capturing his story. This is a journey to a final destination for these two friends.

McDonagh has a unique way of writing and telling stories. We’ve seen him apply this talent to all kinds of R-rated dramas. There is usually some comedy and some friendship, and all that leads to some drama. That’s certainly the case here.

Malkovich is the heart of this film. His character, Chris, is wild and wildly unpredictable. He’s lived a difficult life committed to his work and his role in shaping the world. But now, he’s beyond keeping his life’s work a secret. That makes him dangerous. It also gives him no boundaries personally and professionally.

I really enjoyed the supporting cast, too. Rockwell gives a great performance. He and Malkovich have a great back-and-forth. Buscemi and Parker Posey are fun here, too. I liked the writing and the craft. I also liked the look and feel, being transported back to the 1970s for this story.

In the end, this is an enjoyable ride built around some good dialogue and an engaging lead character. But it’s not as complete as I had hoped. I was entertained because I am drawn to McDonagh’s storytelling style, but this doesn’t rise to the heights of some of his best work. I could see Malkovich and the script earning some award consideration, but this film falls short of being one of the best of 2026.

Wild Horse 9 opens wide on Friday, November 6.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.