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Magnus is a documentary film from 2016 that follows the life of Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian chess prodigy who became the youngest-ever world chess champion in 2013. Directed by Benjamin Ree, the movie offers an intimate and compelling look into the mind and life of one of the most fascinating figures in the world of chess. The film is structured around Carlsen's journey to the World Chess Championship in Chennai, India in 2013, where he faced off against defending champion Viswanathan Anand. Along the way, we see how Magnus first discovered his love for chess as a young boy growing up in Norway, and how he quickly established himself as a formidable player within the Norwegian chess community. We also get to know some of the key figures in Magnus's life, including his parents, his sisters, his coaches, and his closest friends.

Throughout the film, we see Magnus interact with some of the greatest chess players of all time, including Garry Kasparov, who speaks candidly about his own experiences as a young chess player and how he sees Magnus's potential. We also witness Magnus's preparations for the World Championship, which involve intense physical and mental training, as well as a deep study of his opponent's playing style.

One of the central themes of Magnus is the tension between Magnus's incredible talent for chess and his own personal struggles. Magnus is portrayed as a brilliant and charismatic individual who loves the game of chess almost more than anything else in the world, but who also struggles with loneliness, anxiety, and a sense of disconnect from the rest of the world. Throughout the film, we see Magnus grappling with these issues, both on and off the chessboard.

Despite these challenges, Magnus's talent and dedication enable him to achieve something truly extraordinary in the world of chess. His historic victory over Anand in 2013 is seen as a major turning point in the game, ushering in a new era of younger, more aggressive players who are eager to challenge the established order. Magnus's success also helps to make chess more accessible and popular than ever before, inspiring a new generation of players to pick up the game and try their luck.

Overall, Magnus offers a fascinating and inspiring portrait of one of the greatest chess players of all time. By highlighting his achievements, as well as his struggles and humanity, the film offers a deeper understanding of the game of chess and the role it can play in our lives. Whether you're a fan of the game or simply curious about one of the most fascinating figures of our time, Magnus is a movie that is not to be missed.

Magnus is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 52.