Queen's Gambit calls checkmate as Netflix's drama of the season
By Genevieve Nevius, Staff Writer
The Queen's Gambit is a Netflix original TV show that came out Oct. 23. The intriguing show is a coming-of-age story following Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), a chess prodigy with a troubled past, on her mission to become the world's best player. She was orphaned after years in an unstable home, and placed into a Catholic orphanage where she discovered her love of chess and was introduced to addictive substances. The show addresses both the pressures of everyday life, drug abuse and the importance of having friends by your side.
The show opens with Harmon rushing out of the bathtub, seemingly late to an event. Albeit confusing, the opening scene is a creative introduction to Harmon's world. The show then jumps into Harmon’s past. The first episode serves as an introduction to Harmon’s story. It follows Harmon, a reserved yet at times snappy child, as she witnesses the death of her mother and is admitted to an orphanage where she is introduced to addictive tranquilizer pills and discovers the game of chess. Harmon is introduced to chess through Mr. Shaibel (Bill Camp), the orphanage’s taciturn, reclusive custodian who plays chess in the basement. The quiet love of chess brings two completely different characters together.
As Harmon befriends Mr. Shaibel, she discovers the competitive aspect of chess. Mr. Shaibel introduces Harmon to Mr. Ganz, a friend from his chess club. Ganz, who happens to be the head of the local high school’s chess team, encourages Harmon to face off with the whole highschool team, where she proceeds to beat every single player. This sequence of events shows the series’ detailed and thoughtful character development that is important throughout the show.
Later on, Harmon finds her way into the highly competitive scene of chess matches. Quickly, her skill sets her on a path of success. Along the way, Harmon befriends quite a number of characters. Benny Watts (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) could be considered one of Harmon’s most important relationships. The pair, who first met at a chess tournament, formed a friendship that grew into a romance. Watts helps Harmon with her problems with addiction and trains her in the ways of chess. The friendships Harmon made were an important part of her life because they shielded her from sexism, despair and addiction. Although the show is set in the Cold War era, Harmon holds many similarities to struggling teens and young adults today, and therefore connects with the audience in a touching way.
By the end of the show, Harmon has grown up thoroughly and quickly, going from a gawky teen to an elegant and respected woman of the times. I really appreciated this show’s creative production and writing. Each character had a subtle life of their own that adds to the story.
Overall, The Queen’s Gambit illustrates everyday teen struggles while also seriously delving into the intricacies of chess following Harmon onward and upward. It teaches lessons of self control, priorities and the strength of friendship. This is the perfect show for those looking for a short binge with creative and magical styles of film.