A Game of Chess

Synopsis

"A Game of Chess" is a 2016 drama film centered around the intense and strategic world of chess. The story unfolds as the protagonist navigates the complexities of the game, intertwined with personal challenges and relationships that highlight themes of intellect, competition, and human emotion. While the film uses the metaphor of chess to explore deeper psychological and social conflicts, it aims to engage audiences with its contemplative narrative and character-driven plot. The movie delves into the balance between calculated moves on the board and unpredictable moves in life, offering an intriguing, albeit somber, cinematic experience.

Cast

• Jamie V. Cole

  Researcher

• James John Paul Fitzpatrick

  Subject

• William David Glenn IV

  Suit #1

• James Scogin

  Suit #2

Reviews

Critical reception for "A Game of Chess" has been predominantly mixed to negative. On IMDb, it holds a low rating of 4.6/10, reflecting a general consensus that the film struggles to fully engage its audience. Critics have noted that while the concept of blending chess with personal drama is promising, the execution falls short. Some reviews praise the attempt to create a psychological backdrop, but others criticize the pacing and character development as lacking depth and emotional resonance. For instance, some viewers on Rotten Tomatoes commented that the movie "fails to capitalize on its interesting premise," and the storytelling "feels sluggish and underwhelming." Metacritic scores are limited, but user feedback there echoes similar sentiments, emphasizing that the film might appeal more to niche audiences interested in chess or cerebral dramas rather than a wide mainstream viewership. Despite this, certain aspects such as the chess sequences and the thematic ambition received occasional positive notes for trying to bring a cerebral intensity to the screen.