Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Docu examines chess world controversy; sex toys, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Untold: Chess Mates
What's the Story?
What does the game of chess have to do with anal beads? In UNTOLD: CHESS MATES, the story centers on the rivalry between Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, the greatest chess player of all time, and Hans Niemann, a young rising American star in the online chess world, hungry for legitimacy on the board. But when Niemann's shocking 2022 Sinquefield Cup victory leads to accusations of cheating, conspiracies and revelations fly faster than the pieces on a chess board. Determined to clear his name, Niemann fights his way back to the top of the chess world, setting the stage for a 2024 rematch with Carlsen.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary is a provocative reminder of why everyone loves a scandal—it almost always produces a controversial checkmate ending. Connecting a chess master rivalry and an anal beads cheating scandal seems impossibly far-fetched, but this worthwhile documentary uncovers the truth about this bizarre, stranger-than-fiction incident.
With one man representing the old-school elitists with hero vibes, and one man representing the unconventional underdog with all stereotypical villain characteristics, this rivalry unfolds in a short, concise, and entertaining 74 minutes. While it does not provide full clarity of its subject, there's definitely enough character polarity and interest to draw in the audience, chess lovers or not.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Untold: Chess Mates has to say about fair competition and integrity in sports. How does this film portray the chess cheating controversy? Does this film stay neutral, or do the filmmakers seem to side with one chess player over the other? How might this story be different if it were told from one player's perspective?
What evidence is presented for the cheating accusations against Niemann? Do you think that this documentary gives enough information for viewers to decide what to believe? Why is it important to look for reliable evidence before jumping to conclusions about someone?
How does the media influence the controversy presented here? Why do you think that stories about athletes and celebrities spread so quickly online? What are the risks of forming opinions about someone based solely on headlines and viral social media posts?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 7, 2026
- Cast : Magnus Carlsen , Hans Niemann
- Director : Thomas Tancred
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Competition , Sports
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 74 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : April 14, 2026
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