80
The deft and highly emotive handling of his condition and the wider ramifications of his story make The Dark Horse a lot more than merely the against-the-odds chess story that it may initially appear to be.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
60
The script could have done without the odd bout of heavy-handed chess symbolism (“a king for a king”) but it’s a solidly entertaining drama with an intriguingly unconventional lead.
70
James Napier Robertson's film combines several potentially tired subgenres — the inspirational-teacher drama, the mental illness drama, and the gang thriller — but, helped immeasurably by Curtis's performance, makes something new out of them.
80
Time Out London by Cath Clarke
It’s a film with the texture and truth of life, and at its heart is a beautiful performance by Cliff Curtis, who never in a million years will be nominated for an Oscar, but deserves one.
80
The heartfelt telling of a truly extraordinary true story with a mesmerising central performance.
75
Slant Magazine by Elise Nakhnikian
Despite the occasional cliché, this film mostly feels as messy as life, and as movingly complicated.
67
The A.V. Club by Jesse Hassenger
The Dark Horse may not entirely work as a film, but it has an unexpected amount of gritty idiosyncrasy on its side.
90
The Hollywood Reporter by Michael Rechtshaffen
The Dark Horse is an emotionally potent story of redemption anchored by a heart-piercing lead performance from Cliff Curtis.
60
The Telegraph by Mike McCahill
Robertson gives himself and his actors time to ponder the board and build convincing relationships and tensions: he’s especially deft around his younger performers, allowing them to register as distinct, often defiant personalities.
90
The Dark Horse is as good a title as any for a film that takes an overplayed genre — the inspirational mentor story — and still manages to surprise, sneaking up to deliver a powerful emotional experience within a formula we all know by heart