The Dark Horse - Review

James Napier Robertson’s flick ‘Dark Horse’ recently hit Kiwi cinemas taking audiences by surprise with his brief breath of brilliance. The film itself is a heartbreaking look into the life of Gangs and the less fortunate, however it pushes forward the age-old story of light prevails.

Napier Robertson is not quite the household name in New Zealand cinema, however it is now a name that you will remember for years to come. The story heavily takes you by surprise, taking audiences back to the similar gut wrenching feeling that they were given the first time they saw ‘Jake the Muss’ hit the big screen in the Kiwi cult hit, ‘Once were Warriors’. ‘Dark Horse’ is a film on its own, and in its right should not be compared, however with only a few New Zealand films that are truly worthy of mention, one can not help but draw upon comparisons. Locked within poverty the ‘Boy’ duo of Cliff Curtis and James Rolleston return with an onscreen chemistry that is almost unbreakable, the feeling that is drawn from their relationship as Uncle and Nephew draws upon deep family issues that can be related throughout. In a society where blood is thicker than water, yet the rivers run red, it is hard to tell the difference between brother and fellow thug., the film delivers a little more ‘Warrior’ than ‘Once were’.

Cliff Curtis’ performance throughout the film is an incredible display of maturity as an actor as he has truly grown into a well-respected man of his expertise. He has hit the nail on the head with the age-old quote of “Nobody ever goes full…” well, you get my point (Tropic Thunder reference). Hopefully this will gain Curtis a look into the academy, if not at least an acceptance for the foreign film awards. Rolleston on the other hand has increased his ability, shaking that annoying Vodafone conformist presence and into a relatable role, that almost feels to close to home for some. The agony and pain expressed through his character was represented in a true fashion that deserves acknowledgement, far beyond the likes of Keisha Castle (Please don’t ruin Game Of Thrones) Hughes.

This film is truly worth seeing at the Cinema, I advise you go see it while you can. Support the ever-growing New Zealand Cinema family, so that we can receive more pieces like this for years to come. Playing at the Film festival and select theatres around Kiwi land.

I give this film a 8/10

Reviewed by Mase Shaw - Follow Mase on Twitter @MaseShaw