Fictional prodigy Beth Harmon learned to play chess at age eight in the orphanage where she was raised. She went on to become a world-renowned master. Anya Taylor-Joy creates a character that exhibits her steely resolve, while exposing some of the issues that are holding her back (Isla Johnston does an equally impressive job as the child). Since there’s plenty of room to breathe in 7 hours, several subplots and supporting characters (all strong) have plenty of time to get fleshed out. This is a big show for Netflix and it shows in the production values: beautiful locations, period accruements and wonderful fashions. Since this movie is about chess, there’s lots of the game, but director Scott Frank staged each major match in a different style to maintain interest. Although the overall mood is more down than up and some scenes could have been trimmed, it’s still a well-made and compelling production. BTW, after the whole show, I’m still not sure what the Queen’s Gambit is. (Seven one-hour episodes)
(4 / 5)