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 in the 1950s and 60s, "The Queen's Gambit" tells the story of Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy who rises from an orphanage to international stardom. The series explores themes of addiction, coming of age, and the world of competitive chess. It follows Beth's journey as she grapples with personal struggles while pursuing her ambition to become a Grandmaster.
The narrative is grounded in its historical period, depicting social issues and the Cold War era. Beth's character is portrayed as a "tortured genius," navigating the challenges of her past and her growing addiction. The miniseries is structured around these elements, offering a look at both the intellectual demands of chess and the personal cost of exceptional talent.
"The Queen's Gambit" has a strong critical reception, with an average vote of 9 out of 10 from over 4800 votes. Its focus on chess, female friendship, and a fictional biography makes it stand out. The show's single season and seven episodes provide a complete story arc, beginning with Beth's early life in Kentucky and concluding with her international chess career.
Why you might be searching for The Queen's Gambit
People often search for "The Queen's Gambit" due to its breakout star, Anya Taylor-Joy, and its unique premise involving a female chess prodigy struggling with addiction. The series is also remembered for its 1950s and 1960s period setting, intricate chess sequences, and exploration of a "tortured genius" archetype.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found "The Queen's Gambit" to be a captivating miniseries, praising Anya Taylor-Joy's performance as Beth Harmon, describing her portrayal as charming, calculated, and captivating.
Read the full reviewAnother point from the same review highlights how the show manages to make chess exciting for viewers, even those unfamiliar with the game, through careful editing and pacing.
Read the full reviewConversely, one reviewer expressed disappointment with the final episode, finding some plot points implausible, such as a "deus ex machina" moment and the ease with which Beth's adoptive mother supported her chess ambitions.
Read the full reviewThat same reviewer also questioned the realism of Beth's severe tranquilizer addiction at a young age, noting a lack of explanation for its origins.
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. It is a fictional coming-of-age period drama miniseries based on the 1983 novel by Walter Tevis.
There is one season of *The Queen's Gambit*, which consists of seven episodes.
*The Queen's Gambit* has received critical acclaim, with a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a weighted average score of 79 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating generally favorable reviews. Many critics praised Anya Taylor-Joy's performance and the series' production values.