The web series on Netflix is inspired by the novel ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ and is written by Walter Tavis. The name is inspired by the popular chess opening. Chess aficionados would relate to this better.
The story is the journey of a chess prodigy, Beth Harmon. The challenges faced by a lone child upon losing her mother to a tragedy, her chance encounter with the janitor who introduces her to this unique game, all of it culminates into her passion towards her journey in becoming the grand master. The narrative that takes you through the odds she faces as she deals with insomnia, addiction, discrimination due to gender bias, unrequited love and an unexpected bond in her maverick foster mother turned momager. The limited series captures it all with impeccable brilliance making it binge-watch worthy.
The actor playing the protagonist, Anya Taylor- joy is flawless in her performance, displaying her unique gait and gestures as she walks in and out of tournaments in which she is mostly victorious. The young protagonist is played by the adorable Isla Johnston. She is coy, isolated and rebellious in her silence. The series is a visual treat in terms of setting, the use of wallpaper backgrounds with syncing fashion sense of the protagonist and the music puts the viewer into a different era.
Beth Hermon’s story is also a story of finding friendship, team spirit, patriotism as she conquers her ambition by the age of 16. Friends who support, friends who teach, friends who love, friends who team up so that their one friend can reach the peak that they all aspire to reach. Simply because they know that the best must go forward and accomplish their dreams, also accepting that none of them are as good as ‘All of them’.
Queen’s Gambit is an absolute inspiration in terms of master storytelling and needs no knowledge of chess.
A must watch for every dreamer.
