The new Netflix documentary 'Queen of Chess' delves into the life of Hungarian chess prodigy Judit Polgár, who shattered barriers in a male-dominated sport. Directed by Rory Kennedy, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and highlights her record-breaking achievements and family-driven training. It streams on Netflix starting February 6, 2026.
Judit Polgár, born in Hungary, began her chess training at age 5 under her father László's guidance. Homeschooled to focus intensely on the game, she won her first tournament at 6 and became the world's top-ranked female player at 12. At 15 years and 4 months, she broke Bobby Fischer's 33-year record to become the youngest grandmaster ever.
The documentary features interviews with Polgár, now 49, her sisters Susan and Sofia, parents, husband, and experts like grandmaster Maurice Ashley. It explores the controversy surrounding the family's rigorous regimen, which some viewed as child abuse, and the sexism in chess. Archival footage shows Bobby Fischer dismissing women as 'terrible chess players' and 'not so smart.'
Polgár's career included beating top players like Garry Kasparov, whom she faced controversially in the 1994 Linares Tournament in Spain. There, Kasparov was accused of an illegal knight move, but officials ruled in his favor. In a 2022 rematch, Polgár won, calling it 'one of the most remarkable moments of my career.' At the 1988 Chess Olympiad, 12-year-old Polgár helped Hungary secure gold, defeating the Soviet Union.
Holding the Guinness record for longest top female player at 26 years, Polgár retired in 2014 after earning silver for Hungary at the Chess Olympiad in Norway. Today, she commentates at tournaments and authors the 'Judit Polgár Teaches Chess' series. Director Rory Kennedy, drawn to Polgár's resilience in communist Hungary and a sexist chess world, hopes the film appeals broadly: 'Even if you don’t play chess, this is a story about resilience, determination, and breaking barriers.'
The film uses visualizations to analyze key games, emphasizing Polgár's evolving style and psychology, while touching on her marriage and post-retirement life.