In its own country, New Zealand drama The Dark Horse has been described by critics as one of the best films to emerge from that country in recent years. This powerful drama tells the true and turbulent story of Genesis Potini, a New Zealander suffering from bipolar disorder who died in 2011. In a society in which it is difficult for a lot of young people to resist the temptation to stray from the straight and narrow, Potini tries to keep young people on track through chess. This involves overcoming the challenges of his condition and at times some pretty nasty criminals as well.
The Dark Horse is buoyed by great acting from Cliff Curtis, familiar from Whale Rider (2002) and Once Were Warriors (1994). The directing by young filmmaker James Napier Robertson, who also wrote the screenplay, also impresses. This film is often comical, at times raw, but above all intensely poignant. The Dark Horse is a film that resonates long after you leave the cinema.
With Big Talk on Fri 23/1 in the cinema of Oude Luxor. Winner Audience Award & MovieZone Award 2015.
Film details
- Country of production
- New Zealand
- Year
- 2014
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2015
- Length
- 124"
- Medium/Format
- DCP
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