Wild Horse Nine (2026)

Wild Horse Nine

• I definitely had some interest in this film for two specific reasons: the Oscar buzz, and the fact that Martin McDonagh wrote and directed it (and he made one of my favorite films ever, ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’). I saw the trailer for it several times in theaters, and it didn’t look like anything super crazy, but after watching it…..wow. It left me feeling very satisfied while also very hollow, which is a good thing. In a simple sentence, it does exactly what it needs to do. It’s a lot deeper than I expected, as it deals with friendships, trust, and mortality. I don’t want to give too much away, but it takes a very grounded approach to dealing with the thought of death, and how one should navigate life through the people around them. As I said, it’s deep and effective. The CIA backdrop was also very effective, and certainly keeps you invested. McDonagh does what he does best, and writes a brilliant screenplay that intertwines comedy with drama in a way that only he can. Most scenes definitely get a good laugh out of you, while some stop you dead in your tracks and hit you in the gut. Especially in the third act, and the final scene. It’s one of the best dark comedies (and honestly best screenplays) of the decade. Now, most of the Oscar buzz is surrounding John Malkovich, and rightly so. The 2027 Oscars is looking to be one of the best Best Actor races in the last several years, and Malkovich is leading a lot of betting/predictions so far. He has some of the best eye acting of the year, and your heart breaks for him in every scene he’s in. He’s so gentle and pure, yet a complete menace and chaotic soul. He really encapsulates every major theme that the story puts out, and without him, there’s a gaping hole in the film. Sam Rockwell is also phenomenal, and I’d like to see him pick up some nominations, too. Malkovich definitely leads, but Rockwell is right behind, and his vulnerability and stubbornness is on par with Malkovich. Steve Buscemi is also cool! The visuals are beautiful, and very representative of the 70’s, with an accompanying score that is subtle but powerful, and outfits that are a nice contrast to the whole “death” plot, while still keeping things cheerful and representing each character's traits. Overall, this film is just fantastic, gorgeously written, and brilliantly performed, and I’d recommend it to all dark comedy fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go see it now!