Overview
- The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, where it received a 13–14 minute standing ovation from the Sala Grande audience.
- Martin McDonagh wrote and directed the period drama about two longtime CIA operatives sent from Santiago to Easter Island shortly before Chile’s 1973 coup, starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell.
- Critics widely praised Malkovich’s performance and several reviews called it awards-worthy, helping generate immediate Oscar-season discussion.
- Early reviews were generally positive but included notable reservations about McDonagh’s recurring tone and the film’s political messaging, with some critics questioning how fully the film interrogates U.S. covert intervention.
- Production on remote Rapa Nui is notable because the movie was one of the very few features shot on Easter Island, and Searchlight has positioned the film for awards coverage with a Nov. 6, 2026 U.S. release and further festival play in Telluride and Toronto.