The Queen’s Gambit Review

The Queens Gambit Review

Matt O'Leary, Staff Writer

Phenomenal acting and a skillfully crafted narrative make Scott Frank’s miniseries The Queen’s Gambit a must-watch during the quarantine. Set in the 1960s, The Queen’s Gambit follows orphan and chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) on her journey to become the world chess champion. Beth’s rapid rise to fame in the world of professional chess poses numerous personal challenges for her. These conflicts, however, add opportunities for compelling character development that make Beth an outstanding protagonist the audience will root for throughout each episode. Also, Frank masterfully creates suspense during the chess match scenes of the show. His use of unique visual effects and creative camera work breathe new life in the centuries old game, each move as captivating as stunts in an action film. Frequent surprises and intriguing characters aid in producing the binge-worthy, riveting experience that is The Queen’s Gambit. As a letter grade, the show gets an A+ for adding an emotionally engaging twist on an otherwise logical sport.