The series Rematchbroadcast on Arte, hit hard by winning the Grand Prix of the 2024 edition of Series Mania and captivating an audience as large as it was enthusiastic. At the heart of this intense fresco, the legendary confrontation between Garry Kasparov and the computer Deep Blue becomes the scene of a real psychological war, where humans fight against the machine to defend their genius.
This resounding success has rekindled a long-burning flame: that of chess, this age-old game that has always fascinated and inspired writers and filmmakers. The proof in threes.
1 The Queen’s Game2020
The only real misstep of this seven-episode Netflix series undoubtedly lies in its French title, which lacks the finesse of its English equivalent, The Queen’s Gambita direct reference to a very popular opening in the world of chess.
Starring the fascinating Anya Taylor-Joy, the show, adapted from the novel by Walter Tevis, follows the rise of Elisabeth Harmon, a young orphaned chess prodigy. Her journey, between glory and inner demons, leads her to brave the torments of addiction while seeking to become the best player in the world.
Released in 2020, the series quickly captivated a large audience, putting chess back in the spotlight. Far from being reserved for the elite, the game has regained new popularity, driven by this emotional and intense work, which accurately delves into the twists and turns of a genius in search of success.
2 The Prodigy2014
Who says chess says Bobby Fischer, the American prodigy whose name still resonates today as an absolute symbol of genius and mystery. With The Prodigy (Pawn Sacrifice), Edward Zwick not only tells the story of an outstanding player, but that of a man caught in the net of his own greatness. Fischer, played with intensity by Tobey Maguire, is both master of the chessboard and prisoner of his own demons, obsessed with victory as much as with his growing paranoias.
Beyond the simple clash between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky, The Prodigy illustrates an intense inner battle. In the midst of the Cold War, the match became a political symbol, but for Fischer, it was above all a fight against his own demons. Obsessed by the fear of being watched, convinced of being spied on, Fischer gradually slides towards madness, transforming each blow into a challenge against himself.
3 Finding Bobby Fischer1993
Proof that Bobby Fischer is and remains an essential figure in the world of chess, Finding Bobby Fischer takes us back to the shadow of his genius through the story of Josh Waitzkin, a young prodigy from the 1980s. In a vibrant New York, Fred and Bonnie Waitzkin discover their son’s exceptional talents for chess and entrust him to the demanding Professor Pandolfini, played by Ben Kingsley. Under his tutelage, Josh must face not only the chessboard, but also the pressure of becoming the new Bobby Fischer, the champion who made history at just 14 years old.
Directed by Steven Zaillian, screenwriter of iconic films such as Schindler’s List et Gangs of New Yorkthis film explores much more than the strategies of a game: it tells us about childhood, the quest for perfection and parental expectations. Finding Bobby Fischer is a touching and captivating portrait of the challenges that accompany early genius, reminding us that ambition and innocence do not always marry easily.
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