Martin McDonagh Shares the Sneaky Connection Between In Bruges and Wild Horse Nine

Lazy is not a word you’d throw at Martin McDonagh. I mean, have you seen his resume? This 56-year-old British-Irish filmmaker snagged an Oscar for his first-ever short film, 2004’s “Six Shooter.” Since then, he’s dropped nominations like they’re hot for screenwriting and directing in films like Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and the cult classic that makes every contrarian’s vacation a little more interesting: In Bruges. Not to mention his impressive career as a playwright, which has earned him a loyal fan base across both the Atlantic and beyond.

When the conversation shifts to the eerie similarities between In Bruges and his latest flick Wild Horse Nine—about hitmen trying to find themselves on an unusual holiday—Martin has a cheeky answer: “Laziness.” He delivers it with a self-deprecating laugh that would make all his misanthropic characters proud.

Picture-Perfect Homicides

Let’s take a stroll through this cinematic connection, shall we? Both movies feature glorified assassins basking in stunning backdrops. While In Bruges flaunts its Belgian charm, Wild Horse Nine takes us on a trip to the extraordinary Easter Island (or Rapa Nui for those aspiring to impress at dinner parties). Each film also showcases its share of loquacious, foul-mouthed fixers waxing poetic about the meaning of life while also packing a few bodies. But hold onto your popcorn, because Wild Horse Nine veers into darker territory that might catch fans off guard.

From Crisis to Coup

Where the antiheroes in In Bruges are grappling with an existential crisis, Wild Horse Nine features the all-American CIA duo of John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, who are working hard (read: about 2,200 miles east) in 1973 Chile. Set against the backdrop of Salvador Allende’s historic Marxist election, these guys find themselves tangled in a military coup that would turn the country upside down—think temporary vacation, permanent chaos.

Two Grumpy Guys and a Political Mess

Martin shares his thoughts on writing for these grumpy gents: “Because I’m a grumpy guy, it’s my go-to.” But he hints that this isn’t just a redux of In Bruges. He adds a political layer that dives deeper into somber waters. “It’s about subverting expectations,” he muses.

The genesis of the film? It sprouted after his Belgian travelogue flick and happened during a jaw-droppingly beautiful trip to Rapa Nui, where wild horses roamed free (and so did his creative juices). He envisioned a storyline that fuses hitmen and politics because, well, why not combine a postcard view with a moral quandary?

Exploring Irishness and Rebellion

Martin’s upbringing adds flair to his storytelling. Born in the UK to Irish immigrant parents, he’s been riding the cultural divide like a pro. The innocence of the Chileans crushed by authoritarianism? That hits home for him. “Seeing the story from the underdog’s perspective is part of it too,” he notes. And there’s still that signature McDonagh gallows humor lurking behind every line.

Not Your Average CIA Agents

With Malkovich and Rockwell leading the charge, we’re bumbling through the moral labyrinth of these characters in a comedically dark setting. Malkovich’s character is irresistibly charming, even if he’s old and flirting with an idealist student (cue the eye rolls). Martin grabs a hold of the subtlety Malkovich brings and runs with it.

He’s fascinated by the CIA’s dark history. “I love following John’s character through his escapades from Guatemala to Chile,” he says. “It’s all about connecting the dots to how people influenced history.” And though the duo may not be heroic in the traditional sense, there’s a lot to unpack with these characters grappling with their pasts.

Redemption? Not So Fast

McDonagh doesn’t shy away from making it clear: Redemption is a slippery slope. He muses, “A character who has regrets or wishes to change? That’s enough for me. But can we really forgive their past? That’s a big question.”

So mark your calendars because Wild Horse Nine gallops into theaters in the U.S. and the UK on November 6, bringing a cocktail of comedy, chaos, and existential crises right to your screens.