Critics at the time were divided. Some praised Henger for her screen presence and ability to hold her own against more classically trained actors. Others felt the film suffered from a weak script and that Henger’s dialogue delivery was still too stiff for the dramatic weight required. Nevertheless, Scacco alla regina is often noted as one of her most significant attempts to break free from typecasting.
Marina’s partner is involved in shady business dealings, or perhaps possesses a dark past that begins to catch up with him. The tension escalates when a mysterious murder takes place within their social circle. The victim is someone close to them, and the police investigation begins to close in.