The Queen’s Gambit : A Netflix Original Series

 Netflix's The Queen's Gambit:  A complex journey of an orphan girl to becoming the world's greatest chess player.  After four weeks this Netflix original had become Netflix's most-watched scripted miniseries and got critically acclaimed for Anya Taylor-Joy's performance as Beth Harmon as well as for the cinematography and production values. 

The Queen's Gambit: Plot

Set-in back 1950’s The Queen’s Gambit is the story that follows the life of an orphaned girl “Elizabeth Hermon” fondly called Beth into becoming the world's greatest chess player while facing problems like drug addiction, alcoholism, and a lot of emotional challenges. 

The plot started off with Beth being landed into an Orphanage where soon she realizes that she has a special interest in chess. In no time she got recognized as a child prodigy by the Janitor of that orphanage who was also her first chess teacher. But being a prodigy was just not enough to become a world champion as being an orphan came with a lot of other complexities including drug addiction, lack of resources, and other emotional challenges. Years passed by and the dark tunnel saw the light when Beth got adopted and the scene got changed but the adoption didn’t turn out that rosy as it didn’t give much of a help in resources but she could definitely now cross the four walls and explore through the free resources available at that time.

Owing to her financial problems Beth’s adopted mother helped her in managing school while she was busy traveling and winning prize money in numerous chess competitions.

Professional Struggle: Entering into the chess world was not easy as well even though she was a natural as it was a men’s sport at that time. Being the only girl competing against the finest and matured male chess players was not only inspirational and daring but then defeating them and standing as a true winner was a scene to be seen. Her talent was so pure that every of her opponent gracefully bowed down to her at the end and accepted their defeat.

Story Telling

Created by Scott Frank and Allan Scott the story is perfectly told by touching every important part of the child prodigy’s life and still being precise. All of her weaknesses, addiction, challenges, and persistent strong passion have been portrayed beautifully within the snapshots of her life. I must admit that the pace is not that fast but it won’t feel dragged too and you’ll enjoy the quality in every scene of it.

Direction/Cinematography/ Production Values

The Queen’s Gambit has been critically acclaimed for Cinematography and great production values. The production value of this Netflix's original has been great as the whole story has been set up in the 1950s which comes so clearly on screen. Everything from sets to costume to the whole fine print has been pitch-perfect. 

Cast

Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon is just brilliant on screen. Every shade of Beth has been performed with sheer brilliance such that every flavor comes out differently in a very subtle way. The addiction, passion, and all those emotional complexities depicted as weird nerd wrapped up in a subtle attire/demeanor.  

Overall Verdict

If you love quality cinema then you definitely shouldn’t miss this Netflix original. You may find the pace a little slow but definitely, it won't let you leave the screen. In the end, you'll be left with the joy of watching something good and inspired by such a great personality.