The Dark Horse

Overview

Cliff Curtis plays little known chess champion Genesis Potini in this deeply moving new film by James Napier Robertson.

Potini grew up in Gisborne and the film is based on the true story of his struggle with bipolar disorder. He was dubbed The Dark Horse for a time because of his exceptional chess skills but from an early age he was in and out of mental hospitals. Chess gave him a sense of stability but he couldn't deal with the mounting pressure that came with winning championships.

The film starts with Potini's latest release. His brother Ariki (played by first time actor Wayne Hapi) reluctantly agrees to take him in but it's immediately obvious this is the wrong place for him. The house is full of members of the gang Ariki belongs to and the threat of violence hangs thickly in the air.

Potini's doctors told him he needs a positive focus if he's to stay well and he finds it when he sees an ad for a youth chess club on a bottle store noticeboard. His old mate Noble (Kirk Torrance) runs the club but he's been let down by Potini in the past and takes some convincing before he agrees to let him coach the kids.

The first thing Potini does is tell them he's going to lead them to the national chess championship in six weeks' time and the kids stare at him in disbelief. But Potini's infectious love of the game rubs off and pretty soon they're hanging on his every word. These kids from gang families are cheeky and rambunctious and provide very welcome lighter moments.

At the same time Ariki's son Mana, played by James Rolleston (Boy), strikes up an unlikely friendship with Potini. He's desperate to join the club despite knowing that Ariki has other plans for him. Mana has to undergo a series of initiations before he can be patched on his 15th birthday.

On paper the story of how Potini helps underprivileged kids learn not only how to play chess but how to believe in themselves is inspiring. But on screen it's spectacular. Robertson's direction doesn't try to neatly explain Potini's mental illness but instead quietly goes about showing us the impact it has on Potini and those around him.

An otherwise solid script is elevated by outstanding performances, most notably those of Curtis and Rolleston. Potini's gentle compassion counterbalanced by the anxiety bubbling  just below the surface makes for gripping viewing and Rolleston self-assured portrayal of the conflicted teen Mana look effortless.

The Dark Horse is a real tearjerker but in a good way. A breathtaking film and one not to be missed.