King, Queen, Bishop takes Pawn, Knight takes Rook, Double Attack, Checkmate -- these are probably the most common terms when we think of chess. But when it comes to a movie plot, chess may be dull and uninteresting. That's not the case in The Queen's Gambit, a new Netflix original series about a young female chess prodigy, who's determined to break into this male-dominated world of competitive chess during the 50s and 60s. This compact seven-episode limited series is exceptionally fresh, elegant and captivating.
Based on Walter Tevis' 1983 novel, The Queen's Gambit is directed by American filmmaker Scott Frank, who also directed the Netflix original series Godless (2017). It stars Anya Taylor-Joy who shines so bright in this powerful coming-of-age drama that tackles a different side and complexity in the mind of a genius, while navigating an era full of gender stereotypes. Beth Harmon is a girl who seems very quiet, socially awkward and fairly unremarkable until she discovers she has an astonishing talent for the game of chess. While haunted by her personal demons and fuelled by a cocktail of drugs and alcohol, Beth transforms into an impressively skilled and glamorous outcast, determined to conquer the traditional boundaries and become the greatest chess player in the world.
The young Beth, played by Isla Johnston, is raised in a state-run facility after losing a parent in a tragic car accident. It's a place where vitamins and tranquillisers are handed out to kids as mandatory items. It's also where Beth picks up a drug habit. She befriends the isolated janitor Mr Shaibel (Bill Camp), who lives in the basement, and is the one who introduces Beth to the game of chess. By the age of 16, she competes for the US Open Championship as we transition into Taylor-Joy playing an older Beth.
If you're not a chess expert, don't worry. The Queen's Gambit does not intend on keeping you at a distance. The camerawork is engaging and rapidly walks you through the master steps of the game. I loved the visual effects of Beth imagining the chessboard hanging upside down on the ceiling. It shows us how she plays through all of the different combinations in her mind. All of the pieces keep moving as her brain works faster until she arrives at the solution that she's looking for -- and that is indeed, a very well-made cinematic experience.
There's something strangely magical and spellbinding about Taylor-Joy, who took star roles in films like The Witch (2015), Split (2016) and Glass (2019). Here, Taylor-Joy is again so perfect and convincing in the role of Beth Harmon, not only as the chess prodigy, but as the troubled person with a dark background. While being outright cold and mean towards others, you can tell that there's also this connection she's trying to make.
Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon in The Queen's Gambit. (Photo: PHIL BRAY/NETFLIX)
The Queen's Gambit is definitely a love affair with 60s pop culture, because it allows for all the elements of shows like Mad Men (2007) and 11.22.63 (2016), for example, to stand front and centre with the beautiful costumes and vivid production design that match the set and the style of the era.
The music featured in the show is also on point. If you're a fan of 1960s British invasion, be sure to sing along to all the great selections from the era, such as Bert's Blues by Donovan, Stop Your Sobbing by The Kinks, Yeh Yeh by Georgie Fame and Tut Tut Tut Tut by Gillian Hills.
One of a few flaws I found with The Queen's Gambit is that it eschewed character development for all, except Beth. For example, Jolene (Moses Ingram), Beth's childhood friend from the orphanage, pops up in the final chapter like the saviour, or Camp's janitor character who we never really get to know. Or the fact that no matter how arrogant Beth is and how mean she is to those around her, she always receives friendship and support until the very end.
It is almost impossible in the real world, but again, that's probably a reminder of how the impossible is the key that makes fiction so fun and entertaining.
- The Queen’s Gambit
- Directed by Scott Frank
- Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomas
- Brodie-Sangster, Marielle Heller, Bill Camp
- Now streaming on Netflix
