The Dark Horse **** (2014, Cliff Curtis, James Rolleston, Kirk Torrance) – Movie Review

Writer/director James Napier Robertson’s beautiful, compelling New Zealand movie is extremely well done, with lovely, naturalistic acting from a fine ensemble.

At its centre is a thrilling, graceful and heartfelt performance by Cliff Curtis as Genesis, a former chess prodigy, released following years in and out of psychiatric institutions after suffering a breakdown. He’s released in the care of his none-too-caring brother, but the road to a life recovery from the desperate place he is in naturally proves a very bumpy one indeed. He befriends one lad Mana (James Rolleston), leading to lots more trouble, but the kid needs saving too.

[Spoiler alert] Genesis eventually finds peace teaching deprived kids how to play the game. You’re desperate for the movie to have a happy ending, and there looks as though there’s no way it possibly can, but it does!

Grown men might need to brush away the odd tear. But Robertson’s Shine meets chess-style script is surprisingly tough, sharp, smart and unsentimental, packing its punch by keeping it truthful, delivering big impactful moments and being emotional without being manipulative. Like the best thrillers, it keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.

It’s one of those much-despised inspirational true stories that can leave you cold, but this leaves you shaken and stirred. Emotionally charged and inspiring, it does leave you with that rare gift – hope.

The 33-year-old director James Napier Robertson plays Dave.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Movie Review

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com