Introduction:
You just know it’s a good series if the least of the reasons why you should watch it is an absolutely fantastic cast. Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit has been the talk of the town recently––and for very good reason.
Chess isn’t for everyone, but the series definitely is. With impeccable shots and production efforts all across seven episodes of the series comes an orphan girl who dominates the male-dominated chess scene in the United States in the 1950s.
Named after one of the riskiest chess moves in the dictionary, The Queen’s Gambit follows the story of chess prodigy Beth Harmon whose talents were discovered by the custodian of an orphanage. The series is a rollercoaster ride, to say the least, as Beth’s story includes her rise, addiction, downfall, and revival.
This article will be giving you three reasons why you need to watch the Netflix series––the only three reasons you need, in fact.
Why you should watch the series:
- A fantastic series, of course, comes a fantastic cast.
Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, the protagonist, is quite possibly the best discovery of Netflix in recent time. An actress that can give a face showing loneliness and refuge in one scene is as excellent a performance any major Hollywood star can give. Anya has also starred for Netflix’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance as Brea.
Alongside her are Bill Camp as Mr. Shaibel, Harry Melling as Harry Beltik, Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Benny Watts, and Moses Ingram as Jolene amongst many others.
- The story is loyal to its source material.
Having been inspired by Walter Tevis’ 1983 novel of the same name, the spirit of the story resonates loudly within Netflix’s adaptation of The Queen’s Gambit. Some alterations here and there, yes, but Scott Frank and Allan Scott did a phenomenal job in developing the dialogue.
- It’s about chess––and it’s absolutely booming.
Unlike the story of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in The Last Dance, The Queen’s Gambit revolves around the humble sport of chess––the same sport that enables players to move wooden pieces on a board. No fancy dunks, touchdowns, goals, or any of the likes––just an intense battle between two minds.
There’s something about it that seems so bold––audacious at some point––to create a series that surrounds its drama in the world of chess. The series is so bold that people are actually wanting to learn the sport and the different moves it beholds.
Conclusion:
The series, given its background of chess, seems as though it isn’t exciting at all. However, Scott Frank and those alongside him have done a phenomenal job in beautifying the sport––not making it more exciting––but showcasing its mental warfare, the battle between two brains and not brawns.
With an equally fantastic cast and crew and The Queen’s Gambit series’ loyalty to Walter Tevis’ masterpiece, people’s comments about it are no joke.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the Queen’s Gambit a good opening move?
The objective of the Queen’s Gambit is to sacrifice your pawn so as to control the center part of the board––one of the most crucial places to control in chess. Being that the Queen’s Gambit is on the more attacking-centered openings out there, if you like constantly pressuring your opponent then the Queen’s Gambit is the opening move for you.
Is The Queen’s Gambit based on a true story?
As much as audiences want it to be, it is not. The story is based on Walter Tevis’ novel of the same name.