By Amelia Morris
In 1973, CIA agents Chris (John Malkovich) and Lee (Sam Rockwell) are known for meddling in South American politics. The pair are suddenly sent from Santiago, Chile to Easter Island where what seems like a vacation quickly becomes a mission of moral dilemmas.
Chris is knocking on death’s door as he slowly loses his battle with cancer. Throughout the film, Chris questions his legacy, the coming afterlife and tying up loose ends. The wild horses on Easter Island become a symbol of the life Chris could have had away from the CIA, wild and free.
Instead, Chris deals with a multitude of regrets. As his memory is slipping away, so does his filter. He lets CIA secrets fly in public places but no one believes him.
As part of Chris’ legacy, he has decided to write a memoir. A senior veteran of the CIA, Chris possesses valuable secrets the agency would rather leave unexposed.
Lee is Chris’ protege, partner, bodyguard and friend. The two have worked closely together on several missions. This Easter Island mission, however, will likely be Chris’ last. MJ (Steve Buscemi), the head of the South American branch of the CIA, has asked Lee to keep Chris in line. Effectively, Lee is a double agent. He is both Chris’ closest friend and he is spying on him. Lee struggles through allegiance to the CIA and to his friend.
The film takes its sweet time getting to the point but once the audience arrives there, it is well worth the wait. There are major plot points that are not presented to the audience on a silver platter. Instead, the writers beat around the bush to allow viewers to put the pieces together themselves. Many of the epic twists cannot be included in this review but make the movie a must-see.
As the characters begin to uncover mysteries about each other, the audience isn’t fully clued in until the last second when little details in the film add up quickly. As a political thriller, it is quite on brand for the audience to do a little investigating for themselves while watching.
The story is unique and engaging. Nothing about the characters, plot line or twists were cookie-cutter. There are points of laughter and confusion but also tears. Chris and Lee are far from perfect but that is part of what makes them so lovable.
Additionally, symbolism weaves this movie together from start to finish. Every line, every costume, every scene has layered meaning. Horses reflect the way Chris feels and the colors illustrate what characters cannot communicate by words alone.
The Easter Island setting is truly spectacular. The majority of the film takes place on the island and it is one of the few projects ever to be shot actually on site. Colors are sharp and contrasting from the bright green grass to the stark blue sky. Costumes seem to lift off the screen in their vibrancy.
Additionally, the 1970s seep through in every aspect. The entirety of the movie has a filmreel-like shot to it, almost looking a little grainy. The audience truly feels like they are on the island with them.
It goes without saying that the acting performances were also phenomenal. When legends like Malkovich and Buscemi come together, the movie cannot be skipped. They made the characters their own and brought them to life for the audience.
The main characters were dynamic, being somehow evil but loveable at the same time. “Wild Horse Nine” is an excellent example of brilliant storytelling. It is complex, heartfelt and thought-provoking.
“Wild Horse Nine” brought an original story to the big screen. It was interesting, funny and sad all at the same time. I recommend it as a dark humor political thriller that everyone needs to see.
“Wild Horse Nine” is currently in theaters.
Amelia Morris is a sophomore journalism major and writer for Cedars A&E. She loves her dogs, music, reading and exploring nature.
Photos courtesy of Blueprint Pictures, Film4 Productions, and TSG Entertainment.
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