Wild Horse Nine, Martin McDonagh’s new film shot in Chile and Rapa Nui, received a 14-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. It premieres on November 6.
While the relationship between Rapa Nui and cinema is long-standing, there may never have been this much anticipation for a film shot on the island. Starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, the film carries the prestige of its director and will compete for the Golden Lion.
The film also features a Chilean cast, with a standout performance by Mariana di Girolamo that has positioned her as an Oscar contender.
But why all the hype?
What is Wild Horse Nine about?
Set in Chile in the months leading up to the 1973 coup d’état, Wild Horse Nine follows two CIA agents—played by Malkovich and Rockwell—who are sent from Santiago to Rapa Nui. There, their encounter with two students—di Girolamo and Ailín Salas—changes the course of their mission.
The story blends dark comedy, espionage, and political reflection, tackling U.S. intervention in Chile and other episodes of international politics. The cast also includes industry heavyweights Steve Buscemi, Parker Posey, and Tom Waits.
Why was Wild Horse Nine filmed in Rapa Nui?
Martin McDonagh’s connection to Rapa Nui began long before the cameras rolled. The director visited the island about 13 years ago and was struck by its landscapes, isolation, and the mystery of the moai. That experience ultimately became one of the inspirations for setting the story in this Chilean territory in the middle of the Pacific.
The production had to face the logistical challenges of filming on one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. Rapa Nui is more than 3,500 kilometers from the mainland, so equipment and technical gear had to be transported to the island to make the shoot possible.
Filming began between February and March 2025 in Rapa Nui, coordinated with the Ma’u Henua Indigenous Community, administrator of Rapa Nui National Park. Due to the area’s archaeological sensitivity, archaeologists and specialists supervised each day, and community members were permanently present on set.
In April 2025, filming continued on mainland Chile, with scenes at the Club de Rayuela El Olivo, Conchalí; Arturo Merino Benítez Airport; and near the Municipal Theatre and Plaza de Armas in downtown Santiago.
Wild Horse Nine at the Venice Film Festival
The world premiere of Wild Horse Nine took place on September 3 in the Sala Grande at the Venice Film Festival. After the screening, the audience responded with a standing ovation of around 14 minutes. A reception that put the film among the most talked-about titles during the festival’s first days.
Critics also highlighted the mix of McDonagh’s signature dark humor, the performances by Malkovich and Rockwell, and the distinctive setting of Rapa Nui.
Could Mariana di Girolamo make it to the Oscars?
Before the Venice premiere, Variety included di Girolamo among its top contenders for a potential nomination for the 2027 Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. After her time at the festival, the buzz around her performance grew even stronger. The actress herself described the possibility as “a beautiful madness.”
With Rapa Nui and Santiago as its settings, Wild Horse Nine once again puts Chile on screens around the world. It follows the path already paved by productions like Bear Story (Best Animated Short Film, 2016) and A Fantastic Woman (Best International Feature Film, 2018).
Visit Rapa Nui!
As we wait for its theatrical release this November 6, the Wild Horse Nine phenomenon promises to reignite global fascination with the history and landscapes of Rapa Nui. If the film sparked your curiosity to explore these places in person, now is the time to plan your trip.
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