sports
Untold: Chess Mates review
The ugly side of chess is pored over in this Netflix documentary, looking at how lurid online gossip led to a lawsuit, conspiracy theories and a bitter rivalry. Sadly, there’s little new here
TL;DR
- Hans Niemann, accused of cheating against Magnus Carlsen using an alleged vibrating sex toy, discusses the ongoing public perception.
- The documentary explores the media frenzy and the bitter rivalry between Niemann and Carlsen.
- Niemann sued Carlsen and chess.com for $100 million, alleging a conspiracy, but the suit was dismissed and a settlement reached.
- The film touches on the rise of online chess during the pandemic and Netflix's role in popularizing the game.
- Niemann's past behavior and confrontational style are highlighted, with some chess figures finding it unbecoming.
- The documentary concludes that the story offers little new information, presenting a "he said, he said" narrative.