Queen of Katwe

A young girl discovers her passion for chess amidst the struggles of life in a Ugandan slum.

Critics broadly found the film an unusually smart and passionate feel-good sports biopic, elevated by Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong'o, and David Oyelowo despite familiar genre conventions.

• Phiona grows from a market-working child into a confident chess competitor while navigating family and social pressures.
• Robert Katende introduces Phiona to chess, trains her, and helps her imagine opportunities beyond Katwe's immediate hardships.
• Phiona's rise is built around chess strategy, discipline, and tournament performance instead of conventional athletic prowess.
• The film presents Katwe's markets, streets, family homes, and youth center as lively social spaces surrounding Phiona's ambitions.

• The Pursuit of Happynessuplifting true-story sports drama centered on an underdog's talent, mentorship, and community support
• McFarland, USAfamily-friendly biographical sports drama pairing determined young protagonists with inspirational coaching
• Akeelah and the Beefeel-good sports biopic driven by perseverance, social obstacles, and a mentor's belief in an outsider
• Billy Elliotemotionally direct underdog drama using competition to explore family, class mobility, and self-belief

Director

Mira Nair

Release Date

2016-09-23

Runtime

124 min

Rating

7.2 / 10 (484)

What is Queen of Katwe about?

A gifted girl from Kampala's Katwe neighborhood discovers that chess can open a path beyond poverty without severing her ties to family and community.

What is Queen of Katwe like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Queen of Katwe as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Queen of Katwe violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Queen of Katwe.

What did critics think of Queen of Katwe?

Critics broadly found the film an unusually smart and passionate feel-good sports biopic, elevated by Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong'o, and David Oyelowo despite familiar genre conventions.

Which films are like Queen of Katwe?

Films with a similar feel include The Pursuit of Happyness, McFarland, USA, Akeelah and the Bee, and Billy Elliot.

How long is Queen of Katwe?

Queen of Katwe runs 124 minutes.

Where can I watch Queen of Katwe?

In United States, Queen of Katwe streams on Disney Plus.