Magnus

This documentary follows the rapid ascent of Magnus Carlsen from a determined young boy in Norway to the top of the international chess world. The film explores how Carlsen reached the pinnacle of the sport not through a rigid training environment, but through the support of his family and unique friendships. Using home movies and archival footage, the story tracks his personal growth and the sacrifices made during his journey within the isolated community of professional chess.

Directed by Benjamin Ree, this was the first of two films he has directed, followed by The Remarkable Life of Ibelin in 2024. The screenplay was written by Ree and Linn-Jeanethe Kyed, with Sigurd Mikal Karoliussen serving as producer. The film features Magnus Carlsen appearing as himself, alongside other figures such as Viswanathan Anand, Henrik Carlsen, Ellen Carlsen, Espen Agdestein, and Jon-Ludvig Hammer.

Produced in Norway by VGTV, Moskus Film, and Main Island Production, the film was made with a budget of 1 million USD. Since its release, it has received a generally positive response from viewers, earning a rating of 7.1 on IMDb from 3,000 votes and a 6.8 on TMDB based on 61 votes.