‘Untold: Chess Mates’ (2026) Netflix Review - Finding the Line Between Truth and Hype

If you are a chess fan, Untold: Chess Mates will help you revisit some of the most iconic controversies that shook the world in general and particularly the game of chess. This time, the documentary revolves around Hans Niemann and Magnus Carlsen over their infamous 2022 scandal that took the world by surprise. The plot dives deep into the cheating accusations that started taking place when Hans Niemann defeated Magnus Carlsen in the Sinquefield Cup. If you are someone who followed the scandal back in 2022, you know the memes and the suspension that took place over this. Now in Untold: Chess Mates, the pot shows us the rumor that erupted about Hans Niemann: that he used a hidden device to receive moves. And this was exactly the reason why this rumor became the butt of all jokes. The makers could have straight-up dismissed the rumor, but then that wouldn’t have given us our documentary. So instead, they dive deep into the reasons as to how and why this rumor originated and how, through social media, it gained momentum that no one saw coming. We also get the story straight from the horse’s mouth: Hans Niemann himself comes to tell us what happened, the events that followed, and what he thinks about his rival over this whole incident. But even with all this, the makers leave a room for suspension. They sort of tell us that things can be arranged differently as well. So all in all, it is on us to believe Hans Niemann or not. Another thing is the portrayal of Magnus Carlsen. It is worth watching how he comes across. He refuses to endorse Hans Niemann’s side, which actually makes you think twice about the entire incident.

So many doubts about the controversy are cleared, though not fully, in Untold: Chess Mates. This is what makes it intriguing to watch. However, if you are someone who doesn’t enjoy chess, this might not be the right watch for you, because otherwise, you will be left thinking and wondering as to what exactly happened in the entire runtime. I found the pacing slightly slow, which I am unsure if it was a deliberate attempt or just something that happened unknowingly. Whatever it is, for many viewers, it can create an issue while watching.

The makers have tried their level best to present us with both sides of the coin so that we can form our own judgment. That is one really good thing about Untold: Chess Mates. They don’t try to enforce their opinions on us. The research done is good because if you are someone who wasn’t aware of what exactly happened, the documentary presents that area properly for us to understand the controversy. However, yes, the makers have tried to make the news a bit too sensational for the whole documentary to work. It is because of this issue that we forget what exactly the point is that the makers and the rivals are trying to make to us. So overall, one can watch it only if one is a true chess fan. Other than that, Untold: Chess Mates can be skipped.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times