Set against the dark and tumultuous backdrop of 1938 as Nazi troops march into Vienna, "Chess Story" follows the desperate journey of lawyer Josef Bartok. Alongside his wife, Josef attempts a daring escape to the United States, seeking refuge from the growing threat of oppressive Nazi rule. However, their plans are brutally interrupted when Josef is arrested by the Gestapo, the feared secret police whose interrogation methods are as ruthless as they are relentless.
Refusing to betray his principles, Josef stands firm, declining to cooperate or divulge any confidential information despite the intense pressure exerted by the Gestapo. His steadfastness leads to prolonged solitary confinement where he endures psychological torment designed to break his spirit. The isolation and mental anguish gradually wear him down, pushing him toward the brink of despair.
In this darkest hour, Josef finds unexpected solace in an old, worn book about chess that he manages to steal. Immersing himself in the complexities of the game, his mind redirects from suffering to strategy, sparking a transformation within him. What begins as a coping mechanism evolves into a consuming passion, giving him renewed strength and resilience. Yet, this growing obsession with chess also becomes a double-edged sword, blurring the line between salvation and danger as Josef battles his inner demons and external oppressors.
Full Cast of Chess Story
Oliver Masucci
Crew of Chess Story
Full backstage crew list →- Released September 23, 2021