VENICE, Italy — Martin McDonagh’s “Wild Horse Nine” earned the first rapturous reception of the 2026 Venice Film Festival on Thursday, drawing a standing ovation of about 14 minutes — and by some clocks 14 minutes 44 seconds — after its world premiere in the Sala Grande, The Hollywood Reporter reported.
Set shortly before Chile’s 1973 military coup, the dark comedy-drama follows CIA agents Chris and Lee — John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell — sent from Santiago to Easter Island by their bureau chief (Steve Buscemi). Mariana di Girolamo and Ailin Salas play rebellious students who complicate the assignment; Parker Posey and Tom Waits round out a deep supporting cast in the United Kingdom-United States-Chile co-production.
Malkovich looked visibly moved during the ovation as he and Rockwell embraced repeatedly while the audience roared. McDonagh attended with partner Phoebe Waller-Bridge; Rockwell’s partner Leslie Bibb was also in the theater. The film is McDonagh’s first feature since “The Banshees of Inisherin,” which won Venice acting and screenplay prizes in 2022 en route to nine Oscar nominations.
Searchlight Pictures will release “Wild Horse Nine” in U.S. and U.K. theaters on Nov. 6 after further festival stops including Telluride and Toronto. It is one of 21 titles competing for the Golden Lion; the Maggie Gyllenhaal-led jury announces winners Sept. 12. Early reviews singled out Malkovich’s performance for awards attention while praising McDonagh’s blend of personal drama and political backdrop.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter; Deadline.
