Review: Queen's Gambit - A World of 64 Squares
By Muskan Kaur
The Queen’s Gambit: A World of 64 Squares
Director: Scott Frank | Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy
Anchored by a magnetic lead performance and bolstered by world class acting with marvelous visual language, The Queen’s Gambit is a period drama embracing contradiction and ambiguity so elegantly, making it the best limited series of 2020, as titled by the Golden Globe awards. Written and directed by Scott Frank and Allan Scott, the show is based off of Walter Tevis' 1983 novel with the same name. The title, “queen’s gambit” refers to a chess opening, which already gives the show an edge. The main lead, Beth Harmon, is played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who also received a Golden Globe herself, for her excellent performance in the show and outstanding portrayal of character. The actress also won other awards for her acting in the show, including a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie.
Set in Lexington, Kentucky, the story of the show follows the life of Beth, an orphan who quickly learns that she is a chess prodigy. As her career grows and blooms into something out of the ordinary, she racks up more and more wins in the male-dominated world of chess. However, her addictions and vices threaten to topple the game she has carefully played her entire life, and continue to challenge her in fulfilling her dreams. The simple and easy to understand plot of the series is developed so excellently, that it completely indulges the viewer, leaving no room for patience. Even the chess community gave such an exceedingly positive response to the show; to the extent that public interest in the game increased.
The simple and easy to understand plot of the series is developed so excellently, that it completely indulges the viewer, leaving no room for patience.
We learn a lot about Sicilian defenses and doubled pawns; about adjournments and endgames. But at no point is the show inaccessible to the viewer, which is a remarkable achievement. It moves elegantly and enthrallingly, without ever alienating its audience to the fascinating game of chess.
The Queen’s Gambit is considered a truly beautiful show, thanks to the exquisitely designed costumes and the enticing cinematography, by Steven Meizler. The color, lighting, angles and dynamic shifts in perspective is what drove the series and makes it an excellent experience to watch. While the show's soundtrack is quite limited, the few songs it selectively uses have a time-appropriate punch giving a brief trip back in time to the 60s. The vintage choice of music adds on to the very rustic and antique edge given to the show, making it even more unique. The costumes, as previously mentioned, are also swoon-worthy throughout the series, as they complement each and every character perfectly, with impeccable attention to detail.
The Queen’s Gambit is a must watch, with its unexpected twists and turns, and luring sense of style. As Beth Harmon is shown sitting across one of her challengers— entitled and arrogant men— she glances up from the board, and with the briefest of looks, pierces their souls with her eyes; and in that moment itself, she wins.