Netflix Original limited series “The Queen’s Gambit” follows the journey of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) connection between her intelligence and her emotions.
Netflix Original series “The Queen’s Gambit” was released on Oct 23. This seven episode series follows the turbulent development of fictional female chess player Beth Harmon, with each episode engaging viewers to leave them eager to continue watching.
Set in the mid-1950s and 1960s, Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) struggles between fitting in with her peers while also pursuing her goal of being an internationally recognized chess-playing master. Throughout the series, themes of addiction, loss, emotional disconnect and determination are clearly seen, blending together into a unique psychological thriller storyline.
While “The Queen’s Gambit” focuses on chess, its true beauty is in its portrayal of personal growth. Beth has a highly analytical mind, which is extremely important to her success in the game, but due to constantly being a puppet master of chess pieces, it leaves her little time to expand social connections with her peers.
“While “The Queen’s Gambit” focuses on chess, its true beauty is in its portrayal of personal growth.”
As a way to suppress the anger and loneliness she feels, Beth turns to drugs and alcohol. But towards the end of each episode, she is shown a little more that chess isn’t a single-player game, it instead requires clarity of mind and teamsmanship from fellow players.
Even though there are a multitude of life lessons that can be learned, “The Queen’s Gambit” is not recommended for those who are easily disturbed. The series includes content not appropriate for young audiences, such as sex and large consumption of drugs. As uncomfortable as it may be for viewers, these are necessary plot devices to advance the storyline and promote the theme of self-development.
“The Queen’s Gambit” is the perfect palette-cleansing show to watch over a few days. Regardless of interest in chess, viewers can find a hooking dramatic narrative to follow, whether that is the parallels between genius and madness or the blossoming of a character who is confident in her abilities without any additional aids.
