In a year that started with the bizarre true story of an eccentric redneck with a penchant for big cats, country music and assassination plots, ending 2020 with a drama series about chess seems like a dramatic and foolish change of pace but, yet again, Netflix managed to pull it out of the bag with The Queen’s Gambit starring Anya Taylor-Joy.

Nine year old Beth Harmon is a quiet, reserved young girl who is sent to an orphanage after her mother dies in a car accident. She starts to come out of her shell after she befriends the school janitor who teaches her how to play chess, a game of strategy that she has a natural talent for. By the time Beth is sixteen, she is competing for the US Open Championships and is aiming to take the World title from the Russians.

Despite her meteoric rise to fame, Beth struggles to make emotional connections and her young life is full of heartache and loss, and she resorts to drugs and alcohol to help her get through.

Now, if you are anything like the many people on social media, the first question you have is, ‘do you need to understand chess to watch this series?’ Thankfully, you’ll be pleased to know, the answer is no.

Although the depictions of chess games and moves are all factually correct, the way they are shot, edited and accompanied by a great soundtrack, helps the viewer feel the intensity and concentration that is surely running through the minds of the players as well of the smug satisfaction of defeating their opponents.

Without a doubt The Queens Gambit can definitely be considered a slow burn, but the story is captivating and well told, unfolding steadily across the seven episodes; and whilst the game of chess itself is an integral plot point, the real crux of the story is Beth’s personal journey from a shy, isolated introvert to a successful, independent woman surrounded by peers who respect her talents.

Now there may not be any wide, sweeping shots of rugged picture-perfect landscapes but this series is a visually beautiful and brilliantly executed. From the choice of shot selection and lighting to the set design’s 1960s aesthetic and incredible costuming, every single shot is a feast for the eyes.

There’s been too many examples lately of style over substance in the world of cinema but I’m happy to report that this isn’t the case here and the acting is strong throughout although, for me, it’s the three central performances from Harry Melling, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Anya Taylor-Joy that really stand out.

Harry Melling, still often associated with his role as Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter saga, had a great 2020, with roles in The Old Guard and The Devil All The Time but it is his turn as fellow chess player Harry Beltik that stands out above the others. His awkward yet somewhat charming presence on screen perfectly encapsulates the evolution of Beltik’s relationship with Beth, including a sweet but one sided romance. And Melling is not the only one delivering something different here, Thomas Brodie-Sangster is almost (but not quite) unrecognisable as the mustachioed bad boy of chess, Benny Watts.

I’m quickly becoming a big fan of Anya Taylor-Joy, with her roles in Split (2016), Emma (2020) and her introduction into the Peaky Blinder franchise she has really started to make a name for herself and, without a doubt, she showcases her star quality here in The Queen’s Gambit. She doesn’t really have a huge amount of dialogue but her performance still exudes strength and vulnerability. The close up cinematic stylings of the show play well to her strengths and she portrays just as much, if not more, simply with her presence on screen.

Now as much as I liked this series, I’ll be the first to admit that it will not be to everyone’s taste but it is an intriguing watch and I implore all those doubters out there to just give it a try, you might be surprised. And if not, I’m sorry 🙂

The Queen’s Gambit is now available to stream on Netflix.