Algorithms review – a chess documentary that is neither sentimental nor simplistic

Chess is on the mind and in the touch in this documentary about India’s young, blind champions of the sport. Shot – a little obviously – in black and white, Ian McDonald’s film is otherwise a winning documentary that develops into a story as intense and focused as his subjects. Adolescent chess stars Anant, Sai Krishna and Darpan are heading for the world championships in Greece. They compete under pressure – from their coaches, their families, but mainly from themselves. Their disability is shown as a barrier, but – for them – it’s no greater hurdle than perfecting their technique or trying not to take their losses too hard. Their game is mainly in their head, as it is with any great sportsperson. Algorithms is never too sentimental, nor simplistic, and it moves confidently with its charges towards a stirring endgame.