Dark Horse

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2:19

Dark Horse

PG

Released May 6, 2016

1h 26m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

80 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

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.

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Critics Consensus

Dark Horse offers a thoroughly crowd-pleasing look at an incredible -- and inspirational -- real-life story that will thrill equine enthusiasts and novices alike.

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J. Hoberman

Tablet

The funny, sad Dark Horse adds a creepy loser in love to the director's catalog of misanthropes.

Aug 16, 2017

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Kate Erbland

IndieWire

It's a true winner and a genuine crowdpleaser, a human story told well through one incredible animal.

Rated: B+

Jan 2, 2017

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Scott Marks

San Diego Reader

Fantasy fulfillment for those wondering what would happen if Ma & Pa Kettle hauled Mr. Ed to Del Mar and pulled up a stall adjacent to the high-hatted muckety mucks.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 10, 2016

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

The whole affair has a Caddyshack-esque "snobs against the slobs" vibe to it.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 18, 2021

Full Review

Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

It's a fable of empowerment, of beating the odds, but Osmond's deft hand ensures it never feels manipulative.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 3, 2021

Full Review

Sura Wood

Bay Area Reporter

Using video footage, old photos, reenactments and interviews with the spunky local inhabitants, Osmond reconstructs a story of a willful, competitive animal who could and did, and the town that loved her for it.

Jun 18, 2020

Full Review

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Stephen C

Rated PG for Mild Thematic Elements, and Language. Based on a true story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

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Carolyn N

I really enjoyed this interesting documentary/movie. The real life characters are entertaining and the amazing horse is the star of the show. The editing, direction and cinematography are excellent.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/12/23

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Georgan G

Nice story in many ways, especially that they saw the horse as part of their family, not just an investment. Horse racing is an inhumane "sport," but this true event has some value in terms of seeing animals as partners, not "property."

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/28/23

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john r

BRILLIANT! A modern classic

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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andy h

It just isn't very interesting or fun as it's trailer presents. That's all.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A polished documentary with a simple sustained premise. It's an uplifting and inspiring true story.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

Full Review

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Louise Osmond

Director

Tony Kerby

Self

Maureen Jones

Self

Eddie Thomas

Self

Judith Dawson

Producer

Julian Ware

Executive Producer

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Dark Horse: Trailer 1

2:19

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Louise Osmond
Producer: Judith Dawson
Screenwriter: Louise Osmond
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Sony Pictures Classics
Rating: PG (Mild Thematic Elements|Language)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): May 6, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $749.6K
Runtime: 1h 26m

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