Does it Live Up to the Hype? An Honest Review of The Queen’s Gambit

Studio: Netflix Original

Director: Scott Frank

Main actors: Anya Taylor-Joy, Marielle Heller, Harry Melling, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Moses Ingram

Release date: Miniseries released on October 23, 2020

Rating: TV-MA

Number of episodes: 7

While chess may not usually be the epitome of “glamorous,” “elegant,” and “exciting,” Scott Frank seven-episode Netflix drama miniseries, “The Queen’s Gambit”, based on Walter Tevis’ novel (of the same name), proves much differently. Between the incredible acting performance, lovely set and costume design, beautiful soundtrack, and riveting storyline, the record-breaking success of this period piece is well-deserved.

Although many aspects of the series are groundbreaking in the period piece drama genre, some themes could be compared to its predecessors in the field, “Mad Men” and “The Crown”. These shows are known for their stellar costume and set design, but production designer, Uli Hanisch, and costume designer, Gabriele Binder, of “The Queen’s Gambit” truly create a previously unknown level of detail and beauty in these categories.

“The Queen’s Gambit” and “Mad Men” both feature genius characters who turn to substances when they are struggling. Beth from “The Queen’s Gambit” and Princess Diana from “The Crown” are both risk-taking and trailblazing women who remain personable, confident, and fight for what they want.

Frank’s decades of work have brought him an abundance of success. According to Rotten Tomatoes, Scott is known as “one of the most reliable and highly-paid screenwriters in the business”, and has even received two Academy Award nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay for his crime-comedy movie Out of Sight (1998) and superhero film Logan (2017).

While “The Queen’s Gambit” is unlike Frank’s usual work, Netflix is no stranger to creating incredible period piece dramas. In just the last year, Netflix originals “Bridgerton” and “The Queen’s Gambit” received over 144 million viewers, becoming two of the most-watched series in history.

Despite its massive success, screenwriter and producer, Allan Scott, had a long road to finally get “The Queen’s Gambit” on to the world’s television screens. In a story of tenacity, a common thme of the show, Scott tells BBC about the process having to rewrite the script nine times and spending 30 years trying to convince studios to pick up the project.

“The Queen’s Gambit” follows the tenacious story of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy). Beth grew up without a father and was in the car when her mother died in a crash. Consequently, Beth lands in a Christian orphanage. Besides her close friend Jolene (Moses Ingram), Beth keeps to herself. One day, when Beth is sent to clap erasers in the basement, she meets the blunt but kind-hearted janitor, Mr. Shaibel (Bill Camp). He teaches Beth the game of chess, and she quickly develops an all-consuming passion for, or addiction to the game. However, she also develops an addiction to the tranquilizer pills the orphanage oddly shells out to the girls to calm them down. When she finally leaves the orphanage, all she has is the game of chess, her reliance on Librium, and an undeveloped relationship with her adoptive mother, Alma (Marielle Heller), and father, Allston (Patrick Kennedy). Her addictive personality leads her to a lot of successes but a hell of a lot of downfalls, too.

Beth is absolutely fascinating. She is her own biggest supporter, yet her own worst enemy. Her ego is ginormous, but her self-loathing habits hold her back. The show is intertwined with flashbacks to Beth’s traumatic childhood, which helps to explain her deep-seeded issues with rejection and self-isolation. While the show makes it seem like becoming a grandmaster is Beth’s biggest battle, her biggest battle is truly with her own mind.

Taylor-Joy played this part perfectly in every aspect. She was able to command the screen with the furrow of a brow or a simple, confident glance at her opponent. She presents herself as a young, confident woman with a quick wit, yet viewers can see beneath her hardened outer shell. Much of the series focuses on Beth being alone, even in a crowded room her mind never fails to isolate her. Taylor-Joy makes it possible for viewers to see the hurt behind Beth’s eyes and sympathize with her despite her questionable choices.

It’s evident that writers took time to create really meaningful and interesting, relationships between diametrically opposed characters who eventually found they have lots to offer each other (e.g., the mentor/protégé turned friendship between Beth and Mr. Shaibel, or the culturally opposite Beth and Jolene who become like sisters). The relationship between Beth and her mother is a personal favorite.

Marielle Heller is nothing short of outstanding in her role as Alma Wheatley who quickly stole viewers’ hearts as they watched her abusive husband slowly break her down. Similar to Beth, she was heartbreakingly vulnerable, isolated, and looking for something more. When her husband leaves, Beth and Alma eventually form a bond based upon their shared loneliness. This once cold and uncomfortable relationship develops into much more than Alma just providing a roof over Beth’s head; they become best friends.

Addiction becomes an issue as soon as Beth swallows that first little green pill. Later on, both Beth and Alma fuel each other’s trauma-related abusive tendencies, one of the most important and prevalent themes. Taylor-Joy and Heller portrayed these difficult roles beautifully. The writers handled the difficult topic of alcohol and drug addiction delicately and respectfully, yet successfully showed its raw, honest, and tragic effects.

While other sensitive topics were handled well, the issue of race could have been handled much better. Ingram, the only Black character, gives an absolutely impeccable performance yet is painfully underused. While I do understand this is based in the time of Civil Rights movements and an interracial friendship would have been unusual, this sweet relationship between Beth and Jolene left me wanting more.

This captivating story led many viewers, including myself, to wonder if this novel-inspired series is based on a true story. Unfortunately, it is not. However, it does use some real-world influences. For example, Beth’s trailblazing moves in the chess world closely reflect Vera Menchik, the first Women’s World Chess Champion in 1927.

“The Queen’s Gambit” impeccable cinematography and attention to detail is not to be underappreciated. Each 1960s set is more exquisite and elaborate from the last, and every costume is jaw- droppingly gorgeous. Using the colors of chess as a metaphor, Beth’s bad days feature shadows and black clothing, and her good days depict her in sunlight with white clothing. She is shown wearing red when she’s determined and is often pictured in blue rooms with hues of blue light that complement her fiery red hair. The adamant use of complementary colors psychologically pleases the brain and creates an aesthetically pleasing viewing experience. The camera work is so beautiful and unique that I am convinced you could pause this show at any point, take a screenshot, and have it framed.

The appropriate and effective use of special effects should also be noted. Beginning in the orphanage, Beth finds that Librium helps her visualize a chess board on the ceiling. Often shown with spooky shadows and music, this incredible visual is very telling of Beth’s off-the-charts intelligence.

“The Queen’s Gambit” shows how beautiful a script can become after being re-written nine times. The many beautiful quotes are often hidden in the show and delivered by the most flawed characters, making for an interesting change. In some of the heartbreaking flashbacks, Beth’s biological mother tells her “The strongest person is the person who isn’t scared to be alone” and “It takes a strong woman to stay by herself in a world where people will settle for anything, just to say they have something”. For better or for worse, this shapes the way Beth lives. This show is accompanied by an excellent collection of classical music that fits every mood and enhances every scene.

“The Queen’s Gambit” hype is fitting. The entire cast and crew created a masterpiece that will go down in history. It is powerful and thoughtful and thrilling. If you have already had the pleasure of watching, I ask you to watch again and look for the details, symbols, and themes you may not have noticed the first time. This will be one of my favorites for many years to come.

My Honest Rating: 5/5