The Dark Horse

Genesis Potini, once a dazzling speed chess prodigy within Maori circles, moves through life while living with a volatile bipolar condition. He uses the chessboard as his compass, teaching a ragtag group of players and taking on a neighborhood that doubts him. As the club he nurtures becomes a lifeline for several young characters, life outside the boards grows tense and uncertain, yet his focus remains clear. The story follows his efforts to keep the club thriving, defend his family, and hold onto his own balance amid prejudice and violence. Through patient strategy and stubborn optimism, Potini guides his students toward clarity one move at a time, proving that quiet resolve can tilt a community toward hope for everyone everywhere.

Directed by James Napier Robertson, The Dark Horse arrived in 2014 as a character driven drama inspired by the life of Genesis Potini. The film blends Maori culture with a life portrait of resilience and a fearless love of chess.

The film foregrounds Maori communities and the role of family, community centers, and education in overcoming hardship. Potini uses chess to bridge generations, turning games into lessons about patience, discipline, and shared purpose. The story highlights stigma around mental illness while centering empathy and communal support across urban spaces nationwide.

In reviews the film was praised for its restrained storytelling and the performances, especially Cliff Curtis as Potini and James Rolleston as Mana. It confronts themes of identity, resilience, and the healing power of community, using chess as a metaphor for strategic hope. Audience response reflected a thoughtful, human take.

The Dark Horse had a modest release, primarily in New Zealand and select international markets. Box office figures are not widely published, but the film is often noted for its strong regional reception and its intimate, character driven storytelling appeal.