Schachnovelle
- History
- Drama
- War
- Thriller
1938. While the Nazi troops march into Vienna, the lawyer Josef Bartok hastily tries to escape to the USA with his wife but is arrested by the Gestapo. Bartok remains steadfast and refuses to cooperate with the Gestapo that requires confidential information from him. Thrown into solitary confinement, Bartok is psychologically tormented for months and begins to weaken. However, when he steals an old book about chess it sets him on course to overcome the mental suffering inflicted upon him, until it becomes a dangerous obsession.
Chess Story is a 2021 historical drama thriller set during Nazi-occupied Vienna, following lawyer Josef Bartok as he endures psychological torture in Gestapo captivity. When Bartok discovers a chess book in his cell, the game becomes his only escape—and eventually his most dangerous obsession. The film explores how intellect and strategy become tools for survival under totalitarian oppression.
When does Chess Story come out?
Where to watch
Streaming availability in United States
United StatesNot available on any tracked streaming service in United States right now.
Available in: Austria · Belarus · Canada · Switzerland · Germany · Denmark · +13 more
Chess Story is streaming in another region
Available to stream in Austria Germany Italy San Marino+1 more— but not in United States.
Austria
Germany
Italy
San Marino
Connect to one of those regions and stream it from where you are.
Most streaming services restrict VPN use in their terms. Use at your own discretion. Contains an affiliate link.
In cinemas
Theatrical release in United States
Limited theatrical in United States
Theatrical dates from TMDB. Cinema chain links go to the official websites for showtimes and bookings — check there for the actual showtimes near you.
Rent or buy
Digital purchase & rental in United States
Where to watch Chess Story by country
United Kingdom
Greece
France
Spain
Canada
Australia
BrazilTop cast
Follow an actor to track their next projects
Oliver MasucciDr. Josef Bartok
Albrecht SchuchFranz-Josef Böhm
Birgit MinichmayrAnna Bartok
Rolf LassgårdOwen McConnor
Andreas LustJohann Prantl
Samuel FinziAlfred Koller
Lukas MikoGustav Sailer
Joel BasmanBarkeeper Willem
Clemens BerndorffDr. Swoboda
Johannes ZeilerDr. Fink
Maresi RiegnerMaid Klara
Luisa-Céline GaffronFridl
Moritz von TreuenfelsPoliceman Erich
Carl AchleitnerChess Player
Eric BouwerDr. Wouters
Trailer
Chess Story (2021) | Trailer | Philipp Stölzl
Related & spin-offs
Other titles fans of Chess Story tend to follow.
Chess Story — frequently asked
When was Chess Story released?
Chess Story was released on September 23, 2021.
What is the plot about?
The film follows Josef Bartok, an Austrian lawyer arrested by the Gestapo in 1938 Vienna, who uses a stolen chess book to mentally survive months of solitary confinement and psychological torture.
What genres does Chess Story fall into?
Chess Story is a historical drama, war thriller that blends character study with the political tension of Nazi-occupied Austria.
Where can I watch Chess Story?
Streaming availability varies by region and platform; check your local streaming services or rental platforms for current availability.
Comments(0)
No comments yet. Be the first.