Dark Horse
Dark Horse

Movie spotlight

Dark Horse

2015
Movie
86 min
English

The larger than life true story of how a barmaid in a poor Welsh mining village convinces some of her fellow residents to pool their resources to compete in the "sport of kings" with a racehorse they would breed and raise.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes59%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users65%
Director: Todd SolondzGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Looking for love, Abe, a 30-something man with Down syndrome, lives with his parents and spends his days playing video games. Despite their disapproval, he begins dating a woman named Miranda who has her own eccentricities. As their unusual relationship progresses, Abe's parents grapple with his choices and their own feelings about his future.

Critical Reception

Dark Horse received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many acknowledging Todd Solondz's unique and often uncomfortable style. While some praised its unconventional approach to complex themes and Jordan Gelber's performance, others found the film's tone and narrative challenging and occasionally grating.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its distinctive, unvarnished portrayal of a challenging subject.

  • Criticized for its deliberate pacing and Solondz's signature bleak and often awkward humor.

  • Jordan Gelber's performance as Abe was frequently highlighted as a standout.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally indicate a divided opinion, with some appreciating the film's unique character study and emotional honesty, while others found it difficult to connect with or too uncomfortable in its depiction of societal norms and personal struggles.

Awards & Accolades

Selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Todd Solondz has stated that he was inspired by the story of a former classmate and the desire to explore the idea of unconventional love and acceptance.

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