The best part of this chess kickin’ chick flick in my humble opinion are the outfits, the decor, and the cars. As The Queen’s Gambit focuses on a child prodigy and orphan (my fave of all narratives, hence: Anne of Green Gables, Pippi Long-stocking…and apparently the smartest of orphans are also red heads) this show is right up my childhood alley where strong girl fights against her environment to better herself despite a number of setbacks.
The beauty of this Netflix original is how it entices viewers to somehow want to play or understand chess better. Or that could just be me. I’m impressionable so I should speak for only myself especially because the show also made me want to swallow handfuls of Librium and drink martinis just because protagonist Anya Taylor Joy, known as Beth makes it look so exotic.
There isn’t a lot of suspense – foreshadowing leads us to believe Beth will beat the boys and become Chess Queen of the world so the show is more about her journey of coming into her own as an adult and a chess champion during the decades where men rule and women drool (from tranquilizers). I do think it’s a show for everyone over 13 since most of the risqué behavior was considered normal in the sixties and seventies it’s not like they’re breaking many laws.
Subtle and quiet scenes allow viewers to focus on the characters as much as the games being played and again in my opinion, there can never be too many movies made where men underestimate women and then women kick their ass all while keeping their hair perfectly pinned in place.
My favorite productions are always the ones that are period pieces, particularly the sixties because all decor was so colorful but elegant and the outfits were the same. It’s a short series with each episode about an hour long and highlights actress Taylor-Joy as the attention grabbing beauty she truly is. Even her hands are immaculate. I only review the ones I think are worth the time watching and this one is just as much sad as it is hopeful which is a nice balance in our pandemic and still apocalyptical-obsessed society. In short, I’m happy with anything right now that isn’t zombies – even happier when it showcases a smart chick. The Queen’s Gambit even made me get out the chess board and force my six year old to lose to me.
Among Crawford’s Categories this one is for sure: Drama Club, Chick Flick, Family Room.
For more information on the deets of this series as always check out IMDB.com + The Queen’s Gambit and stream it with your surely-you-have Netflix subscription.
Johnna Nicole Crawford 