Queen of Chess

Queen of Chess follows Judit Polgar, a determined Hungarian kid who refuses to let gender define her future on the chessboard. As a child she trains under an exacting father who places family, discipline and strategy at the center of every move. The story spans more than a decade as she squares off against the reigning world champion Garry Kasparov and earns a reputation for fearless, precise play. Rather than simply dazzling with clever combinations, the film looks at the larger fight surrounding her rise, including the pressure of public expectations and the stubborn barriers that kept women out of the top ranks. It is a portrait of obsession, skill, and breaking through.

Directed by Rory Kennedy, Queen of Chess uses interviews with Judit Polgar and Garry Kasparov alongside archival footage to map a life changing the sport. The documentary blends home video, tournament records, and conversations with Polgar's closest mentors to chart her ascent. Released in 2026, the film positions Polgar not just as a champion but as a catalyst for change, showing how a single player reshaped expectations across generations of competitors.

Box office details are not publicly disclosed, consistent with many prestige documentaries that rely on festival runs and streaming deals rather than blockbuster grosses. The film aims for a broad festival and streaming reach, hoping to spark discussion among chess fans and general audiences alike.

As of its release, no major nominations have been publicly announced for the film. The documentary's value rests in its access and the clarity it brings to Polgar's career, her rivalry with Kasparov, and the cultural shift she helped inspire. Some viewers may interpret the project as a strong candidate for future awards in documentary categories, given its interviews, archival material, and disciplined editing.

Fans and critics are drawn to the film's lucid treatment of a girl who turns pressure into precision, and its sober look at how family dynamics shape ambition. The documentary treats Kasparov as more than an opponent, a mirror and a witness to Polgar's evolution and the sport's changing rules. This is a portrait that reframes chess history around a fearless competitor who redefined what a woman can achieve on the board.