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Chess may seem like a game that’s strictly for prep school kids, socially awkward geniuses, and old guys in the park. But Mira Nair’s moving biography, Queen of Katwe, tells the story of one girl whose love of the game helped her fight her way off the streets.
Queen of Katwe follows the true story of Phiona (Madina Nalwanga), a young girl who grew up in the slums in Kampala, Uganda with her widowed mother (Lupita Nyong’o) and her siblings. Forced to spend her days on the street, selling maize to provide for her family, she was offered both food and an escape from her hard life by Robert Katende (David Oyelowo) from the local Sports Ministry Outreach, who began teaching children from the slums how to play chess. And as Phiona’s skills improved, she began dreaming of a life that she had never believed was possible.
With its inspiring, against-all-odds story and its cast full of strong, determined characters, Queen of Katwe is as moving as it is charming. It’s also a stunning cultural experience, full of the sights and sounds and colors of Phiona’s world. She may not live in a big house or a fancy neighborhood, but she’s surrounded by music and vibrant colors and activity. Kids race through the streets, and neighbors call out to each other. It’s noisy and often chaotic—and it’s a difficult life—but there’s beauty in it, too. There’s beauty in the colorful clothes and the bustling streets and markets—and there’s beauty in the friendships, the community ties, and the incredible strength of people like Phiona’s mother, who sacrifices everything but her character and her beliefs to provide for her family.
The cast, too, is lovable—from Oyelowo and Nyong’o, who show strength and depth in their performances, to the young actors, who offer their own touches of playfulness and humor. And newcomer Nalwanga does an impressive job of conveying her character’s intelligence, insecurities, and grown-up concerns.
Of course, even if you don’t already know Phiona’s story, you won’t find a lot of surprises here. For the most part, it follows the standard underdog story formulas—but they’re just as effective here as they are in any inspirational gridiron drama.
It may not be an entirely unexpected film, but Queen of Katwe compensates for its formulaic story with extra doses of charm. It’s beautiful and inspiring, and it’s sure to leave you with misty eyes and a smile on your face.
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