Wild Horse Nine Adds Star Power to Dark Comedy

NEW YORK — A new movie drawing early Oscar attention arrives in theaters this weekend.

“Wild Horse Nine,” director Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy, follows two veteran CIA agents sent to Easter Island, where their mission takes an increasingly sinister turn.

The cast features John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, with Steve Buscemi, Mariana Di Girolamo and Parker Posey also appearing.

Entertainment reporter Joelle Garguilo spoke with the cast and crew about the film, which is set in 1973, as Chile faces the looming threat of a military coup.

At the center of the story are Chris and Lee, the CIA operatives portrayed by Rockwell and Malkovich.

The plot takes the pair more than 2,000 miles across the Pacific to Easter Island. Garguilo highlighted several of the characters’ memorable lines and asked Rockwell whether it was liberating to play someone willing to say what others might only think.

“Well, Martin always has a truth sayer,” Rockwell said.

McDonagh acknowledged feeling some nerves while working with the film’s two leading actors.

“You’re kinda naturally nervous, especially working with a god like John Malkovich. But I do feel like you’ll see something in John and Sam, the best acting you’ll see all year,” McDonagh said.

Posey looked back on the production with equal parts simplicity and enthusiasm, saying, “This was fun.”

“Wild Horse Nine” opens in theaters Friday.