A Little Game

About This Movie

A Little Game is one of those quiet gems that really delves into the complexities of childhood and grief. Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes chessboard, it follows Max, a young girl who's navigating her way through a new, intimidating school and the loss of her grandmother. The pacing has this nice, gentle rhythm, allowing us to linger on the character's growth. The chess master, while irascible, brings depth and warmth, which adds a nice counterbalance to the bleakness in Max's life. The performances, particularly from the leads, certainly capture that raw emotionality without being overly dramatic. It’s not flashy, but it has a sincerity that resonates, and the practical effects around the chess scenes are cleverly done, adding to that unique atmosphere.

Explores themes of resilience and changeStrong character developmentUnique use of chess as a narrative device