First Horse

About This Movie

So, 'First Horse' is set in this richly textured pre-colonial Aotearoa. You get this young Māori girl's perspective, which is a fresh take really. The film balances heavy themes of cultural change and personal loss, and it’s not shy about showing the harsh realities of the time. The pacing feels deliberate, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere—there's a lot of silence punctuated by the sounds of nature, which adds weight to the narrative. The performances are raw and grounded, particularly the girl’s, capturing the innocence and resilience of youth. With practical effects that enhance the realism of the horse scenes, it feels more like an experience than just a film. It’s distinctive for the way it tackles its historical context through a personal lens, not just broad strokes of history.

Explores cultural change in a unique settingStrong character-driven narrativeRealistic portrayal of historical context