The Queen's Gambit (2020)
In a 1950s orphanage, a young girl reveals an astonishing talent for chess and begins an unlikely journey to stardom while grappling with addiction.
Details
First Air Date
10/23/2020
Last Air Date
10/23/2020
Network
Netflix
Rating
9/10 (4810 votes)
Status
Ended
Production Companies
Flitcraft, Wonderful Films
About The Queen's Gambit
Set across the 1950s and 1960s, "The Queen's Gambit" follows Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy who navigates her path to the top ranks of the chess world. The series focuses on her experiences with addiction, her orphaned childhood, and her journey of self-discovery while competing in a male-dominated sport. The story combines elements of historical drama with a coming-of-age narrative, exploring themes of genius, substance abuse, and personal relationships.
The narrative is grounded in a historical setting, touching on elements of the Cold War era and mid-20th century American history. While it depicts the cerebral nature of chess, it also delves into the emotional and social challenges Beth faces. The miniseries format allows for a focused exploration of her character, from her early days in an orphanage to her international competitions, highlighting her internal struggles and external triumphs.
"The Queen's Gambit" explores themes of ambition, the isolating aspects of genius, and the complexities of human connection. The series portrays female friendship and the impact of mentors and rivals on Beth's development. It maintains a consistent focus on drama throughout its limited run.
Why you might be searching for The Queen's Gambit
People are often searching for this title due to its distinctive visual style, especially Anya Taylor-Joy's appearance as Beth Harmon, her red hair, and specific scenes related to her chess prowess or personal struggles, such as telekinesis jokes or unique character descriptions.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found the miniseries gripping and praised Anya Taylor-Joy's performance as Beth Harmon, noting her ability to portray a complex character struggling with addiction and personal challenges while being captivating as a period drama lead. The reviewer also highlighted the contributions of supporting cast members like Benny Watts and Vasily Borgov, and how the series made chess exciting for viewers.
Read the full reviewAnother reviewer, however, expressed disappointment with the final episode, citing a "deus ex machina" plot device. This reviewer also questioned several implausibilities in the story, such as the ease of the adoptive mother's acceptance of Beth's chess ambitions, the rapid development of Beth's tranquilizer addiction as an eight-year-old, and the unexplained origins of her desire to become a chess champion.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream The Queen's Gambit on Netflix.
No, The Queen's Gambit is not based on a true story. The character of Beth Harmon and her story are fictional, originating from Walter Tevis's 1983 novel. However, the show does incorporate real-life elements, such as chess moves modeled after famous contests, and the author drew on his own experiences with drug dependency for Beth's addiction storyline.
The Queen's Gambit is a limited series with one season, consisting of seven episodes.
The Queen's Gambit received critical acclaim, with a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an average rating of 8/10. Critics praised Anya Taylor-Joy's performance, the cinematography, and the detailed period setting, calling it an "absolute win" and one of the year's best series.