The Royal Game

In 1938, the Nazis are in full swing and have just annexed Austria to their Third Reich. In Vienna, the notary Josef Bartok tries to flee, aware that he is in grave danger. However, he is arrested by the Gestapo before he can escape. They lock him up in a hotel, from which he will only get out if he cooperates with them, but he is not willing to do so under any circumstances. During his captivity, the only thing that keeps him sane is a book on chess that he has managed to steal. That way, he turns his situation into some type of game. The story is based on the book 'Chess Novel', by Stefan Zweig, author of 'Letter from a stranger' and 'Twenty-four hours in the life of a woman'.

It has been directed by Philipp Stözl, who has been in charge of productions such as 'The Doctor' or 'North Face' and has been highly acclaimed in several German festivals. Its protagonist, Oliver Massucci, is known for his participation in series such as 'Dark' and will appear in 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore'. The cast is completed by Albretch Schuch, Birgit Minichmayr, Andreas Lust, Rolf Lassgård, Samuel Finzi and Lukas Miko. It was produced by DOR Film, Studio Canal, ARD Degeto Film and Bayerischer Runfunk and distributed in Spain by Alfa Pictures.