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| Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures |
Following his familiar structure and set up, Martin McDonagh’s latest, Wild Horse Nine, takes us to 1973 Chile, where two CIA agents are involved in setting up the political turmoil about to take place in the country. But this story isn’t really about the coup d'état, this is about the two American CIA agents who go on holiday to Easter Island where one has asked the other a really big favour. If this sounds reminiscent of In Bruges, you are not far off.
Chris is dying of cancer. He has been in the CIA for decades and involved in many operations including the assassination of JFK. Lee, Chris’ best friend and protege, has agreed to take Chris to Easter Island as a last request. He has also been tasked with shutting down Chris’ idea to dictate a memoir and find where the rifle is that was involved with JFK’s death. With Chris’ memory fading and his belligerent behaviour causing issues in public spaces, Lee becomes more agitated, especially when his cheating wife and kids are put in danger.A change of scenery, nationality of the leads and add in the backdrop of the political situation looming over everyone, and this could be very much like some of McDonagh’s previous films. Though the writing is razor sharp, humorous with a darker edge, there are some genuinely bizarre laughs and reveals, there is nothing spectacular about the film. The showdown at the end is even played out at a leisurely pace, in keeping with the island aesthetics. Sam Rockwell as Lee and John Malkovich as Chris are entertaining, their chemistry and quick witted dialogue is to be admired, no doubt these performances may earn some awards attention. However, there is a sense of confusion as to why did McDonagh set the story to this political environment, it barely adds much to the overall story, the real story that is. There could have been a different angle brought to this part of the story, but really Chile sits as a backdrop and illustrates the reach of the CIA fuels conspiracies at most. The better part of this affair is between old friends and whether they can trust one another.