What Ree does capture very well is the tension and the gladiatorial aspect of big-match chess.
The film is largely sympathetic with only modest hints of the sacrifices made and the difficulties he faces engaging with people on an emotional level.
A documentary about Norway’s boy genius Magnus Carlsen is one for the fans.
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Wednesday November 30, 2016, until Thursday December 1, 2016. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/