John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell star as jaded CIA agents in Martin Mc Donagh's darkly comic drama "Wild Horse Nine." Set before the 1973 Chilean coup, the film follows the pair traveling from Santiago to Easter Island. Chris (Malkovich) is dying and may have participated in a presidential assassination, while Lee (Rockwell) must keep his partner in check. The actors, longtime friends since 2000, discuss their sinister character legacies. Malkovich cites Valmont and Cyrus the Virus, while Rockwell references Officer Dixon and Wild Bill. Described as "quintessentially American jackasses," their characters prioritize killing etiquette over moral repercussions. Co-star Mariana di Girolamo notes their mutual respect eased production. Filmed after a 14-minute standing ovation at Venice, the film blends sinister humor with political undercurrents.

The cinematic lore is strong with Malkovich and Rockwell. Between them, they have played memorable sinister characters: Valmont in "Dangerous Liaisons" and Cyrus the Virus in "Con Air" for Malkovich, and Officer Dixon in "Three Billboards" and Wild Bill in "The Green Mile" for Rockwell. Now they portray jaded CIA agents in Mc Donagh's latest. Set right before the 1973 Chilean coup, the story follows the garrulous pair on a pivotal mission. It’s pivotal because Chris is dying and may have been involved in a presidential assassination; Lee is tasked with keeping his ornery partner in line. "They’re kind of these two quintessentially American jackasses," said Malkovich, 72. "Instead of talking about the moral efficacy or repercussions of killing people, they talk about the etiquette of killing people if and when they’re eating."

Rockwell praised Malkovich's unique blend of masculinity and vulnerability, stating he looks to John as a hero. The film also stars Mariana di Girolamo as Monica, a college student who befriends the pair. Malkovich and Rockwell's chemistry, forged through years of friendship and collaboration, including "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," anchors the darkly comic narrative. Their performance promises a tonal tightrope act of childishness and weighty responsibility.