BIFFL Presents... Wild Horse Nine; Credit: Chronicle.lu

Directed and written by Martin McDonagh (In Bruges (2008); The Banshees of Inisherin (2022); Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017); Seven Psychopaths (2012)) and starring John Malkovich (In the Line of Fire (1993); Dangerous Liaisons (1988); Birdbox (2018); The New Pope (tv series, 2019-20)), Sam Rockwell (Vice (2018); Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017); Seven Psychopaths (2012)), Steve Buscemi (Fargo (1996); Resevoir Dogs (1992); The Island (2005); The Sopranos (tv series, 2004-06)), Mariana di Girolamo (Los Casablanca (tv series, 2024-25); Ema (2019)) and Ailín Salas (Boni Bonita (2018); Lulu (2014)).

Dark comedy; 118 mins; 16+

Shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup, CIA agents Chris (John Malkovich) and Lee (Sam Rockwell) are dispatched from Santiago to Easter island by their bureau chief, MJ (Steve Buscemi). Amongst the Island's iconic statues, and as the longtime partners wrestle with their dark pasts and present conspiracies, Chris's newfound bond with a pair of rebellious students, Monica (Mariana di Girolamo) and Alicia (Ailín Salas), threatens to send everyone's trip to this remote paradise sideways.

In a film heavy in dialogue, Chris and Lee tell each other everything, but nothing. They are, after all, CIA operatives, otherwise known as spies, with cover stories. Chris has apparently not got long to live but is threatening to write his memoirs, revealing state secrets in the process. MJ asks Lee to keep an eye on Chris and to find out if he is mentioning specific incidents in the memoirs. 

As they are about to fly out to Easter Island, Chris' "last request", they meet a couple of female students in the airport terminal who appear to be delighted at the news of the recently-elected left-wing president, that is before Chris starts to tell them what is going to happen shortly...

Darkly humourous, and another really clever gem from Martin McDonagh, not to be missed. The picture is grainy, as if filmed with 1970s technology, with the wardrobe and make-up, as well as cars and building interiors authentically matching the era. It also includes great landscapes of Easter Island with the Moai (giant head sculptures) deserving of the cinematic respect shown.

Currently screening in Luxembourg at ciné Utopia and CiNextDoor cinemas.