Queen to Play

In the sunny island of Corsica, Hélène leads a modest life as a housekeeper in an upscale hotel. While her days are filled with chores and tending to her family's needs, she yearns for something more meaningful in her own existence. This longing is sparked when she witnesses a dashing couple engaged in a passionate game of chess at the hotel lobby. Captivated by the strategy and depth of the game, Hélène decides to take up chess herself, much to the bewilderment of her working-class husband and spoiled daughter.As Hélène delves deeper into the world of chess, she becomes the pupil of Dr. Kröger, a somewhat eccentric yet charismatic American expatriate who tutors her in the intricacies of the game. The bond between these two characters deepens as Hélène's passion for chess grows, causing her family to grow increasingly suspicious of their close relationship. This film explores themes of midlife passion, self-discovery, and societal expectations while painting a vivid picture of a woman reawakening to the joys of life through an unexpected pastime.