Netflix has unveiled the trailer for Queen of Chess, a documentary chronicling Hungarian chess prodigy Judit Polgár's rise in a male-dominated sport. Directed by Rory Kennedy, the film premieres at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 27 and streams on Netflix starting February 6. It highlights Polgár's challenges against figures like Garry Kasparov and her barrier-breaking achievements.
The documentary Queen of Chess explores the story of Judit Polgár, who at age 12 in 1989 began her quest to excel in international chess, a field long viewed as unsuitable for women and young girls. Raised in Hungary as part of a family experiment to foster genius, Polgár quickly rose to prominence, becoming the world's No. 1 female player by age 12 and the youngest grandmaster at 15, surpassing Bobby Fischer's record.
Over a 13- to 15-year journey, she faced thrilling victories, dramatic confrontations, and unexpected alliances while targeting world champion Garry Kasparov, considered by some the greatest player ever. The film uses archival footage, including previously unseen clips, and in-depth interviews with Polgár—now in her 40s—her family, Kasparov, and other chess professionals to depict her evolution from a driven child to a champion who reshaped the sport's culture.
Directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Rory Kennedy, known for works like Downfall: The Case Against Boeing and Last Days in Vietnam, the documentary blends personal reflections with a dynamic visual style and a rousing soundtrack. Producers include Kennedy, Mark Bailey, and Keven McAlester, with executive producers such as Peter Stern and Regina K. Scully. Writers are Bailey and Keven McAlester, editors Jesse Overman and Azin Samari, and music by Camilo Forero and Chris Brocato for Bleeding Fingers Music.
Kennedy stated, “We are living in a moment when so many people are still fighting for equal footing—Judit’s life shows what can happen when one person has the resolve to break through barriers.” She added that premiering at Sundance, which launched her career, feels meaningful, and Netflix will allow global audiences to see Polgár's groundbreaking path on gender, talent, and opportunity.
For chess enthusiasts, it serves as a tribute to Polgár's legacy; for others, it's a tale of ambition and resilience that entertains and educates.
