The Stylish World of Chess

There is something so fascinating about the game of chess. Trying to out maneuver your opponent while anticipating their next move. It is very much a mental game, trying to get into your competitor’s head. But what happens if you don’t understand what is going on in your own head?

The Queen’s Gambit is a miniseries on Netflix that captures the life of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy). Beth is an orphan who grew up in middle America in the 1960s, was taught chess at the orphanage, ended up being adopted by a very stylish woman, Alma Wheatley (Marielle Heller) who loves a Gibson martini or two. Life pivots and Beth starts competing in chess competitions and the world opens up to her.

Created and directed by Scott Frank this is an intriguing piece of work that delves into the world of a young woman trying to run away from the past and find her tribe in the world. Looking at Frank’s previous works including Little Man Tate you can understand the premise of the story and the narrative of the work.

Based on the novel The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tavis, the story is has similarities to Women’s Chess Champion Vera Menchik, the first woman to challenge men professionally at the game and won, but her life tragically ended during WWII.

This is a very slick miniseries and sets are amazing. The 1960s was a very stylish time and the creative team behind this show have really gone to town. Production Design is by Ali Hanisch who worked on Babylon Berlin, which is another stylized series, but the overall look of The Queen’s Gambit is a total pleasure to the eye.

You cannot talk about The Queen’s Gambit without mentioning the spectacular costumes. Costume Designer Gabriele Binder has created something that is nothing short of gorgeous. Every outfit worn by Beth and Alma are stunning. 1960s glamor at its best. Interesting bit of information is that Gabriele has previously worked on The Lives of Others, another film with great period costumes from the 1980s.

Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon is captivating on the screen. There is something about her characterization that you are engrossed. You feel the loneliness and longing for acceptance but also can see the mechanics of her mind as she tries to out maneuver her components as they play chess opposite her. A really nice performance to watch develop and grow.

The Queen’s Gambit is a great snap shot of a period of time when the Cold War was a growing issue between the USSR and America and funnily enough chess was a game that was played around the world and the leaders of the game were from America and the USSR.

But what is fascinating is the underlying story of Beth Harmon, the struggles she faces and how she learns more and more about herself as she rises through the ranks in the world of chess.

The Queen’s Gambit is currently available on Netflix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDrieqwSdgI