Check. This has only been out for a short time, and it is already one of the most acclaimed series Netflix has put out this year. Some even claim, the best ever. When words like that get thrown in the mix, then I knew I had to move this to priority watching immediately. Wow, did no one lie! The Queen's Gambit is based on the fictional novel of the same name. It introduces us to Beth Harmon, a recently orphaned young girl in the 1950s who is quiet and keeps to herself. While at the orphanage, Beth and the other girls are given tranquilizers as 'vitamins.' She quickly becomes dependent and addicted to cope with her grief. But one bright spot in her time at the orphanage is learning how to play chess from the janitor, Mr. Shaibel. During their games is the time where Beth comes alive. She is determined to become the best chess player in the world, even after she gets adopted by a family. By the time Beth is 16, Beth is rising in the ranks and beating seasoned players at national chess competitions. As the stakes rise and the games get more serious, she becomes more isolated and reliant on her old addictions again. Beth's dedication to being the best chess player in the world comes with a price she might not be able to pay. Wow. Honestly, that's all I can say. I can go on for a very long time about how much I loved this series, but I won't bore y'all to tears. I think my rating is a good indication of how I feel, but I do my best. First off, Anya Taylor-Joy. If you don't know who she is, you will after watching this series. I am already familiar with Taylor-Joy after her time as Emma Woodhouse (which I also recommend). Just like before, I am absolutely blown away by Taylor-Joy and how she completely steals scenes every time she is on the screen. Her quiet power is evident as Beth Harmon grows up so chaotically with no direction but towards chess. She is believable as a young, awkward teenager to a glamorous, dysfunctional adult woman. It's not hard to be moved by Beth and how Taylor-Joy plays her. I followed her journey with just as much ambition and vigor to see where she was going. I have no doubt anyone else wouldn't want to see if Beth ends up achieving her dreams of world champion. Now, it would be painful if I didn't mention Taylor-Joy's surrounding cast of characters who were just as strong. Marielle Heller, who played Beth's adoptive mother, played the ultimate despairing housewife of the 1950s. Heller is usually behind the camera, but she proves she deserves as much time in front of one as well. Also, Thomas Brodie-Sangster AND Harry Melling as potential love interests and friends? Are you kidding me?! While they certainly are used as male characters to push Beth forward, they do so with a charming eagerness to be so essential in her life, even beyond chess. No character in this show didn't have a purpose or a reason why they entered and possibly left Beth's life. It was so beautifully chaotic in every second, every episode to just see. I also think it would be criminal if I didn't mention all the technicalities that come with a show of this caliber. The cinematography was perfect, all down to scenery to retro wardrobe to even filters of the seasons. I cannot sit here and act like I wouldn't raid Beth's closet because she had a taste. (I suppose retro is back in!) The Queen's Gambit is truly a wonder in producing the excitement of playing a game of chess. The speed at which Beth could conquer a board and opposing player was mesmerizing. Despite not familiar with the game before, I felt like I understood why Beth was so intrigued by it. I also couldn't help but maybe want to pick up the game for myself. This was a masterpiece from beginning to end. This is one of the best pieces of content I've seen this year, and I do not say that lightly. This mini-series was about chess, but so much more. This will be the one to keep forever on your list to rewatch in the years to come.
Mate.
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