Who ever thought they could make a nearly 7-hour miniseries about chess interesting?
I saw The Queen’s Gambit was on Netflix, but it wasn’t even on my radar until Jack told me he really liked it. So when we were trying to decide what to watch, I thought I’d give it a shot. Not disappointed at all. As a matter of fact, I think it was actually quite brilliant.
And maybe because it’s not just about the chess. I mean, it’s there, and does lend quite a bit to the fascination of the story (if you’re into that kind of thing), but the real brilliance is in the characters. I especially liked the way they developed and played Beth Harmon, the focus of the story. It’s about genius and addiction and maybe making a way through life when the world looks different. It was thoughtful, beautifully filmed and acted, and it held my attention.
I wasn’t surprised then when I found out it was written and directed by Scott Frank. While I’m here recommending Gambit, I should put in a plug for another of his works, Godless – a Western that I liked so much I watched it twice (be warned though – far more violent and dark than The Queen’s Gambit. You find that out within the first 60 seconds or so.).
So if you have the time, go ahead and give them both a look. I’m sure you’ll enjoy something that is so well-done.