The Queen’s Gambit: A Netflix Original That Makes Chess Seem Like a Thriller

I can not say I have ever craved a game of chess before. As a little girl, my Grandfather always tried to teach me how to play, but, despite my efforts, the game proved far too complicated for my young mind to comprehend. We always ended up playing checkers, a much simpler and much more boring game, or so my grandfather said. Chess just was not my thing. At my elementary school, a chess club was a big deal; at every assembly, while there were never any announcements regarding a basketball win, we always heard about the chess team’s victory. And while I found this very boring and even embarrassing at times, it seemed as if everyone was a part of this odd phenomenon. I even joined the chess team for a while, but my mom took me out when she realized the only reason I went was because once the meeting was over everyone got Doritos. The idea of moving pieces around a board so that I could collect your king and claim “checkmate” has never been all that appealing to me. But recently, I have been rethinking my negative opinion on chess. This reevaluation of my relationship with chess can be attributed to nothing but The Queen's Gambit, a Netflix original that makes chess seem like the most thrilling yet elegant game ever. 

**SPOLIERS AHEAD**

Following chess-prodigy and orphan, Beth Harmon, the Queen’s Gambit tells the story of a young woman taking over a male-dominated game while struggling with addiction in the 1960s. As a young child, Beth was sent to an orphanage following a car crash that killed her mother. At the Methuen Orphanage, Beth became closely acquainted with Mr. Shaibel, the janitor, who taught Beth to play chess. From the first episode, it was clear Beth had a natural gift for the game. Furthermore, as was common during the time, each child at the orphanage was given daily tranquilizer pills intended to subdue them; Beth soon became addicted to these pills and her dependency on these drugs remained a constant struggle throughout the series. After a few years as an orphan, Beth gets adopted by Alma Wheatley, a lonely housewife who struggles with vices that arise following the death of her birth child and horrid treatment by her abusive husband. Settled in her new home with an odd yet kind woman, Beth begins playing chess competitively, winning each game she plays, surprising everyone in her path, and making friends along the way. As her skills progress, Beth begins to travel all over the world, soon decimating the best of the best. But as her chess skills grow, her drug dependence worsens. 

In part, the beauty of the Queen's Gambit comes from the elegant, quirky, and unstoppable Beth Harmon. A character who is not only the protagonist, but her own antagonist; a brilliant and talented person who could do anything, if it were not for the demons that lie beneath her shiny surface. But despite these evident hardships, Anya Taylor Joy, the actress who plays Beth in The Queen's Gambit, embodies the essence of a swan. Beth’s encapsulating presence, that comes from her large, inquisitive eyes, flaming red hair, and her powerful disposition, are what makes The Queen's Gambit a show that you cannot stop watching. Specifically, Beth Harmon embodies this elegant and fierce persona through the ways she plays chess, her quick movements causing her chess pieces to glide across the board, almost as if they’re floating. This is in contrast to her male counterparts who move their pieces with a thud, which not only makes watching the game uniquely intriguing, but also exemplifies the uniqueness of Beth’s style. Prior to each game, Beth places her chin atop her hands, staring sharply into the eyes of her opponent, as if she is ready to pounce; preparing to attack. These subtle yet consistent mannerisms make Beth a character that you cannot take your eyes off of. 

Beth is not the only dynamic character with a strong personality that leaves you attached after just one 55-minute episode. Mr. Shaibel, the janitor who teaches Beth chess, plays a gruff grandfather like figure, who pushes Beth to her limits. While Mr. Shaibel can be harsh at times, it is clear throughout the show that he is nothing, but a lovable teddy bear who cares for Beth. This unlikely yet beautiful friendship continues to affect Beth, long after she leaves the orphanage. Another unexpected friendship arrives in Jolene, the older, bigger, and intense orphan, who to everyone’s surprise, takes Beth in as a little sister. During the time at the orphanage the two grow close and years later when Jolene returns to save Beth at a low, the true strength of their friendship becomes apparent. Lastly, the most lovable character of the bunch, Harry Betik. Harry was the chess champion of Kentucky prior to playing Beth, who to his surprise, demolished him in a single game. While Harry’s chess journey was not long lasting, he remained a part of the show as a friend and mentor of sorts to Beth. Specifically following the death of her mother, Harry acted as Beth's main support. Harry was definitely friendzoned by Beth, and while he could not make his way into Beth’s heart, he definitely found his way into the hearts of the audience

The Queen's Gambit is a complex and beautiful story. Each scene builds on the next, drawing the audience further into this unexpectedly captivating plot. Whether or not chess is your thing, I can say with confidence, that you too will watch each move with intrigue and will finish this show with a desire to play chess. 

By Ruby Kaufman