in The Dark Horse | Posted on February 10, 2016Runtime: 1:51
Feature trailer for The Dark Horse, now being distributed by Broad Green Pictures.
The Dark Horse is based on the true story of Genesis 'Gen' Potini (Cliff Curtis), a Maori speed-chess champion seeking redemption and a new purpose in life despite his struggles with bipolar disorder. A former chess prodigy, Gen is brilliant and charismatic, bringing unusual, potent energy to a game most often played with quiet reserve. Upon his release from an institution, he is remanded into the custody of his older brother Ariki (Wayne Hapi), the leader of a rough street gang planning the initiation of Gen’s reluctant teenage nephew Mana (James Rolleston). When Gen volunteers to coach the ragtag young members of the Eastern Knights chess club, Mana is inspired by his uncle’s determination to bring hope to the children of the club and turn his troubled life around, while seeing it as a chance to possibly save his own.
A lot of actors will gain or lose weight for roles, sometimes unnecessarily. I think the latter fits for Cliff Curtis, who gained more than 50 pounds and went method by remaining in character during the film's entire production.
Feature trailer is just an updated trailer for the film, featuring new critical acclaim and the distributor logo.
The best thing we've liked about The Dark Horse is the film's color scheme on the title treatment and poster, as the rest of the story is failing to capture us. We're not sure if the it's the trailers that are to blame or just the story, especially considering that this film killed it overseas. After screening at the 2014 New Zealand International Film Festival, the film went on to not only receive tons of critical acclaim, but was considered a box office hit, grossing $2 million, in New Zealand.
While that should be enough to have us think it's a fantastic movie, it looks like our lack of interest is contagious. If you hadn't noticed, The Dark Horse was ready for distribution in 2014, but it took Broad Screen Pictures to finally release it stateside almost two years later. Lack of interest indeed...