When The Queen’s Gambit debuted on Netflix on October 23, 2020, it not only sparked curiosity in the chess game but also won praise from critics for its elaborate sets and production design. Aside from being nominated for two Golden Globes, one for best limited series and the other for best actress in a limited series, the limited series may be watched on Netflix.
“The Queen’s Gambit,” which is based on Walter Tevis’ 1983 novel, follows Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), an orphaned chess prodigy who aspires to become the finest player in the world.
The story
The series centres on Beth Harmon, a 9-year-old orphan whose mother dies in a tragic car accident. She ends up in a girls-only Catholic orphanage, where she meets the carer, William Shaibel, and picks up chess skills. She finally defeats him at chess and goes on to become a young adult chess prodigy, defeating global champions.
As she is introduced to alcohol by her adoptive mother, Beth battles several issues in addition to her drug addiction, which stems from the tranquillizers the orphanage gave her when she was a small child. She struggles with these addictions even as her chess skills improve. You have your gift and the associated costs, in Mr. Shaibel’s words.
In addition to her addiction, Beth believes that her chess prowess is also a result of her ignorance of social mores and her loneliness stemming from her occasionally naïve conceit. Throughout the episode, she continues to develop as a person and battles to discover herself outside of the chess realm.
A worthwhile binge
Everyone will find “The Queen’s Gambit” to be a gratifying and worthwhile binge-watch. On television, every character is expertly portrayed, be it Harmon or her prickly opponents. Viewers are drawn in and become engrossed in Beth Harmon’s world by the captivating narrative that changes every second.
The production value of “The Queen’s Gambit” lies in its skillful execution. Chess is filmed in a traditional, vintage Hollywood manner under the direction of Academy Award-winning screenwriter Scott Frank. Frank glamorises the game’s hidden elements by using opulent décor and sophisticated music. Even non-chess lovers will find Frank’s production interesting, as the series plot is easily comprehended without any prior chess knowledge.
The show’s significance extends beyond its focus on chess; it also portrays Beth’s battle with her own inner demons. It dawns on her later in the episode that this is not a battle she must face alone. Over the years spent in the orphanage and participating in international chess competitions, she forges a network of friends that helps her understand that life is about more than just chess.
The best thing about the series
The superb direction and writing of Scott Frank. After writing two screenplays—Out of Sight in 1998 and Logan in 2017—Frank has received two Oscar nominations. Sure, he can write well, but this is only his second limited series directorial gig for Netflix. His previous movie was Godless, which he directed in 2017.
In addition to providing some of the most amazing historical outfits since Mad Men, Gabriele Binder’s costume design also adds a crucial aspect to the narrative by using checkerboard patterns on Beth’s attire.
Anya Taylor-Joy is a powerhouse in terms of casting, the emotional range that she can offer Beth is breathtaking.
If you haven’t seen any of Anya’s other works before just watch them. Her debut film, The Witch, is an incredibly captivating performance, showcasing her remarkable ability to convey meaning through minimal conversation.
The first part of The Queen’s Gambit takes us back to Beth’s early years spent in an orphanage, and Isla Johnston does a fantastic job of charmingly capturing this period of her life.
Over her acting career, Marielle Heller is more recognised for her directing work. She directed two films: A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers, and the underappreciated Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018). However, in a humorous and sympathetic portrayal, she is as faultless as Beth’s adoptive mother, Alma Wheatley.
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