True Story of Bipolar Chess Champ Genesis Potini Told in ‘The Dark Horse’

Sandra Miska

The New Zealand drama “The Dark Horse” tells the real-life story of chess genius Genesis Potini (Cliff Curtis) and his struggle with a severe bipolar disorder. After years in and out of mental institutions, the former champ seeks a new purpose in life and finds it teaching chess in an after-school center for underprivileged kids. The film is set in a community of Maori people, Polynesian natives of New Zealand.

After his latest stint in an institution, Gen is released into the care of his older brother Ariki (Wayne Hapi), the leader of a dangerous gang. At his brother’s home Gen regularly comes in contact with his sketchy gang associates to the detriment of his recovery. Craving stability, Gen volunteers his service as a chess coach to a local chess chapter called Eastern Knights, an organization that offers neighborhood kids an alternative to gangbanging.

Gen encounters some resistance from the group’s mentor, his friend Noble (Kirk Torrance), who is cautious about exposing the kids to a potentially unstable adult. Gen eventually wins him over by purchasing chessboards and other supplies using the money Ariki gave him for lodging, making the sacrifice of sleeping outdoors. Not only that, Gen promises Noble that he can help give the youngsters a purpose.

Gen’s work with the children pays off when they earn a spot at the national chess championships. The ragtag group includes Ariki’s hotheaded son Mana (James Rolleston), who goes against his father by joining the chess program putting Gen at odds with his angry brother who wants his son to follow him into the gang life.

The filmmakers behind “The Dark Horse” were inspired by a 2003 documentary about Genesis Potini, “Dark Horse,” by Jim Marbrook. Curtis prepared for his role not only by gaining almost 60 pounds to more closely resemble but also by studying chess with some of the late chess champ’s friends including FIDE Master Ewen Green. Potini passed away in 2011.

“The Dark Horse” swept the 2014 New Zealand Film Awards taking home trophies for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Score. It has also received acclaim in the United States taking top awards at prestigious film festivals in Seattle and San Francisco.

“The Dark Horse” opens in select Los Angeles and New York theaters on April 1. It will expand to San Francisco on April 8 and Chicago, Boston, D.C. and Phoenix on April 15.