IMDb 7.4 2016 HD

Queen of Katwe

Queen of Katwe

2016
Drama
124 min PG USA
7.228 / 10
7.4 IMDB

A young girl overcomes her disadvantaged upbringing in the slums of Uganda to become a Chess master.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Mira Nair / Avani Batra / Atilla Salih Yücer / Michael McCue / Paula Case / Mike Topoozian / Robyn Aronstam / Andile Vuyolwethu Pakade / Zohran Mamdani / Moses Kibuuka Muwanga
Starring
Madina Nalwanga / David Oyelowo / Lupita Nyong'o / Martin Kabanza / Taryn "Kay" Kyaze / Esther Tebandeke / Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine / Ethan Nazario Lubega

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

inspiring heartwarming resilient authentic hopeful underdog poverty triumph mentorship talent struggle community

Reviews

C
Chloe Peterson
Apr 17, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Based on a true story, Queen of Katwe is an engaging drama about a young Ugandan girl's rise through the ranks of competitive chess. Madina Nalwanga is a standout as Phiona Mutesi, portraying her character's evolution with remarkable…

S
Samuel Davies
Apr 17, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A genuinely uplifting narrative, Queen of Katwe is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unexpected pathways to success. Phiona Mutesi's journey from the streets of Uganda to chess master is rendered with sensitivity and visual…

I
Isabelle Dubois
Apr 17, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Queen of Katwe offers a compelling look at how a simple game can change a life. The film centres on Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from Uganda whose discovery of chess opens up a world of possibilities. Madina…

M
Marcus Thorne
Apr 17, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This is a triumph of human spirit cinema. Queen of Katwe charts the remarkable ascent of Phiona Mutesi, a chess prodigy from Uganda's Katwe slums. Madina Nalwanga is a revelation, embodying Phiona with a captivating blend of vulnerability…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 17, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

Queen of Katwe is a vibrant and deeply affecting true story that shines a much needed light on resilience. Madina Nalwanga delivers a star-making turn as Phiona Mutesi, a young Ugandan girl whose potential is unlocked by the…

FAQs

The film offers a sensitive and realistic portrayal of the challenges associated with poverty, particularly within the Katwe slum. It depicts the daily struggles for survival, the limited resources, and the societal barriers that individuals like Phiona Mutesi must contend with. However, it balances these realities with moments of community, joy, and the unwavering pursuit of a better future.