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Poster for Queen to Play

Queen to Play

Seen it?

2009 | 101 min | Comedy, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (71% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 41 min.
What might put you off
It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).

Hélène, a housekeeper at a ritzy hotel in Corsica, is devoted to her family but lacks any passion in her own life. When she sees a handsome couple play a passionate game of chess, she becomes inspired to play herself. Hélène's working-class husband and spoiled daughter are soon bewildered by her obsession with chess. They also grow suspicious of Hélène's close relationship with Dr. Kröger, her eccentric American expat tutor.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $1 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 3K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Caroline Bottaro

  • Sandrine BonnaireHélène
  • Kevin KlineKröger
  • Francis RenaudAnge
  • Jennifer BealsL’Américaine
  • Valérie LagrangeMaria
  • Alexandra GentilLisa
  • Alice PolNatalia
  • Élisabeth VitaliMarie-Jeanne
  • Dominic GouldL’Américain
  • Daniel MartinLe président du club d'échecs