Lupita Nyong'o's Queen Of Katwe On Disney+ Is Perfect If You Loved The Queen's Gambit

If, like most of the world, you're binge watching Netflix's The Queen's Gambit right now, then we might just have found the next show for you.

After scanning all the streaming platforms, we've come across another chess-related watch which is sure fill the void. Introducing Queen of Katwe.

The 2016 film is available on Disney+, and features Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo in lead roles.

A biographical drama, the movie is about a 10-year-old girl named Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), from Uganda, who manages to change her life in ways she could never imagine when she learns the art of chess.

The movie starts by showing Phiona's life in Katwe, which is a slum of Kampala, Uganda, alongside her family, including mother Nakku Harriet (Nyong'o).

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Nakku tells Phiona there is no point in dreaming big and imaging a life outside of what they know, as she will "only be disappointed".

But then the movie heartwarmingly documents how things change beyond her wildest dreams when she meets Robert Katende (Oyelowo) at a missionary program, and becomes a top chess player, being named reigning champion in every competition she plays.

But how will she cope with the pressure when winning doesn't just offer personal satisfaction, but the opportunity to take her family out of poverty for good?

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It's pretty obvious what the similarities are between Queen of Katwe and The Queen's Gambit.

Based on a 1983 novel of the same name by Walter Tevis, the Netflix TV show follows young chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) from the age of nine to 22 during her quest to become the world's greatest chess player.

"In a 1950s orphanage," the show's synopsis reads, "a young girl reveals an astonishing talent for chess and begins an unlikely journey to stardom while grappling with addiction."

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Much like Phiona, chess offers Beth new opportunities and a chance to change her life for the better.

But her own personal demons - such as alcohol and drug addiction - get in the way, and as does the pressure to be the best of the best.

Who knew we'd be loving TV shows and films about chess so much this year?!

Topics: Disney+, Disney Plus, TV Entertainment,

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

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