Mira Nair directed this underappreciated drama based on the true story of chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, whose mother, Nakke Harriet, is played by Nyong’o. Though the film focuses on the events of Mutesi’s unexpected, metoric rise in the Chess Olympiad, Lupita provides a voice of calm, loving support — and unwavering pragmatism — as her character’s young daughter discovers, and develops, talents that no one knew existed.
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