Magnus (2016) Apr 2026

The film chronicles the life of Magnus Carlsen , tracing his journey from being a bullied child in Norway to becoming a Grandmaster at age 13 and eventually the World Chess Champion in 2013. Unlike other chess films that focus solely on the board, Magnus uses home movies and personal footage to explore the psychological and familial support behind his "intuitive" style of play.

Critics praised the film for its accessibility to non-chess players, noting that it functions more as a coming-of-age story than a technical sports documentary. It was particularly noted for its intimate look at the vulnerability Carlsen experiences during intense competition.

A significant portion of the film focuses on the role his father and sisters played in keeping him grounded and emotionally stable during high-pressure tournaments.

Based on your request, Director: Benjamin Ree Runtime: 1 hour 18 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Genre: Documentary, Biography, Sport Synopsis

Bill Gates (Briefly seen playing against Carlsen in a televised exhibition match)

The documentary highlights Carlsen's unique ability to play by intuition rather than pure calculation, a trait that sets him apart from computer-like grandmasters.