The Queen’s Gambit- A Must Watch/Read

Mostly, The movie made me wish more women played chess - and competed too. I believe strongly that diversity enriches experience rather than “diluting” it. The apparent barriers that race or sex can place on acceptance or meaningful participation have much more to do with lack of experience (on both sides) than any inherent “fault.” Beth Harmon was a lone wolf type in the movie. But imagine if it had been as leader of a pack instead?  It’s not perfect but I enjoyed it very much so.

The Queen’s Gambit delves into the competitive world of chess during the 50s-60s Cold War era. Drugs and alcohol abound. The chess is hardcore. But let’s get to the real star of the show shall we?

Anya Taylor-Joy was absolutely sublime as the orphaned Beth Harmon. I’ll be honest here, it’s a bit distracting to me that a world chess champion can be too beautiful. It’s almost not believable as one thinking prodigy won’t ever think 20-year-old red-headed beauty queen head turner. But I digress. . . .

She plays the part flawlessly: Oblivious to her surroundings sans chess. People in her life come and go (including her mother) as they don’t mean as much to her as the pieces on a chess board. Anti-social. Unsmiling. Methodical. Yet very innocent. She strolled around every scene as if she were some 1950s fashion icon a la Audrey Hepburn. I didn’t know whether to fall for her. . . . or look away and cringe, especially when drugs came into play. Think train wreck that can happen at anytime. BTW this is the type of role that can propel an actor/actess into super stardom.

You do not have to know chess or like chess to appreciate this series. That’s a distant second despite what many others will mention. What is most important to this story is an undying passion for something. Anything. You love it . . . you go for it. 100%. My take on The Queen’s Gambit is watch it.

It’s IMO the best that Netflix has to offer.