The Queen's Gambit: A Netflix Hit Based on a Novel
If you are looking for a binge-worthy show that combines drama, suspense, romance, and chess, look no further than The Queen's Gambit, a Netflix original miniseries that has captivated millions of viewers around the world. Based on the 1983 novel by Walter Tevis, the show follows the life of Beth Harmon, a fictional chess prodigy who rises to the top of the chess world while struggling with personal issues. Here is everything you need to know about The Queen's Gambit, from its plot and cast to its accuracy and popularity.
What is The Queen's Gambit about?
The plot summary
The story begins in the mid-1950s, when eight-year-old Beth Harmon (Isla Johnston) is orphaned after her mother dies in a car crash. She is sent to an orphanage in Kentucky, where she discovers chess by watching the janitor, Mr. Shaibel (Bill Camp), play in the basement. He teaches her the rules and strategies of the game, and she soon shows a remarkable talent and passion for it. She also becomes addicted to the tranquilizers that are given to the orphans to keep them calm.
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When she is 13, Beth (Anya Taylor-Joy) is adopted by a couple from Lexington, Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley (Patrick Kennedy and Marielle Heller). Mr. Wheatley is often away on business trips, while Mrs. Wheatley is a lonely housewife who drinks and takes pills. Beth finds out about a local chess tournament and decides to enter it, despite being an unrated player and a girl in a male-dominated field. She impresses everyone with her skills and wins the tournament, earning some money and recognition. She also meets Harry Beltik (Harry Melling), a young chess champion who becomes her friend and mentor.
For the next three years, Beth travels with Mrs. Wheatley to various chess tournaments across the country and abroad, winning most of them and gaining fame and fortune. She also meets other chess players who challenge her or support her, such as Benny Watts (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), a former child prodigy who teaches her advanced techniques; Townes (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd), a handsome journalist who flirts with her; and Jolene (Moses Ingram), her old friend from the orphanage who helps her in times of need.
However, Beth also faces many difficulties along the way, such as her addiction to drugs and alcohol, her emotional instability, her loneliness, and her rivalry with Vasily Borgov (Marcin Dorocinski), a Soviet grandmaster who is considered the best in the world. She has to overcome her inner demons and find her true self as she pursues her dream of becoming the world champion.
The main characters
The show features a talented cast of actors who bring the characters to life. Here are some of the main ones:
Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy): The protagonist of the story, a brilliant and beautiful chess player who has a troubled past and a fierce determination to succeed.
Alma Wheatley (Marielle Heller): Beth's adoptive mother, a depressed and neglected woman who finds a new purpose in life by accompanying Beth to her chess tournaments and managing her finances.
Benny Watts (Thomas Brodie-Sangster): A charismatic and confident chess master who wears a cowboy hat and a knife. He becomes Beth's friend, rival, and lover, and helps her prepare for her match against Borgov.
Harry Beltik (Harry Melling): A former Kentucky state champion who loses to Beth in their first encounter. He later becomes her admirer, ally, and tutor, and helps her improve her endgame skills.
Jolene (Moses Ingram): Beth's best friend from the orphanage, a sassy and loyal girl who supports Beth in her darkest moments and encourages her to pursue her goals.
Mr. Shaibel (Bill Camp): The janitor of the orphanage who introduces Beth to chess and recognizes her potential. He is a quiet and stern man who cares for Beth in his own way.
Vasily Borgov (Marcin Dorocinski): The world chess champion from the Soviet Union, a formidable and respected opponent who challenges Beth to a final showdown in Moscow.
The themes and messages
The show explores various themes and messages that resonate with the viewers, such as:
The power of the mind: The show depicts chess as a mental sport that requires intelligence, creativity, logic, memory, and intuition. It also shows how the mind can be affected by external factors, such as drugs, alcohol, stress, trauma, and emotions. The show celebrates the human mind and its capabilities, but also warns of its fragility and limitations.
The role of women: The show portrays the challenges and opportunities that women face in a male-dominated society, especially in the field of chess. It shows how Beth has to deal with sexism, discrimination, harassment, and stereotypes, but also how she uses her talent, charisma, and courage to break the barriers and prove herself. The show also features other strong female characters, such as Alma, Jolene, and Mrs. Deardorff (Christiane Seidel), the headmistress of the orphanage.
The importance of family and friends: The show depicts the loneliness and isolation that Beth experiences throughout her life, as she loses her biological parents, her adoptive father, and her first love. It also shows how she finds solace and support in her chosen family and friends, such as Alma, Mr. Shaibel, Jolene, Harry, Benny, and Townes. The show illustrates how family and friends can help one overcome adversity and achieve happiness.
How to watch The Queen's Gambit online?
The Netflix streaming service
The easiest and most convenient way to watch The Queen's Gambit online is through Netflix, the streaming service that produced and distributed the show. Netflix is a subscription-based platform that offers a wide range of movies, shows, documentaries, and original content for a monthly fee. You can watch Netflix on your computer, smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or gaming console.
To watch The Queen's Gambit on Netflix, you need to have an account and a subscription plan. There are three plans to choose from: Basic ($8.99 per month), Standard ($13.99 per month), and Premium ($17.99 per month). The Basic plan allows you to watch on one screen at a time in standard definition (SD), the Standard plan allows you to watch on two screens at a time in high definition (HD), and the Premium plan allows you to watch on four screens at a time in ultra high definition (UHD) or 4K.
Once you have an account and a plan, you can access Netflix from any device that supports it. You can browse through the categories or search for The Queen's Gambit by name. You can also add it to your list for easy access later. You can watch all seven episodes of The Queen's Gambit at your own pace or binge-watch them in one sitting.
The download options
If you want to watch The Queen's Gambit offline or without an internet connection, you can download it from Netflix to your device. However, not all devices support this feature. You can only download Netflix content on iOS devices (iPhone, [user]( iPad, or iPod touch), Android devices (smartphones or tablets), Windows 10 devices (computers or tablets), and some Chromebooks and Chrome OS devices. You can check the compatibility of your device on the Netflix website or app.
To download The Queen's Gambit from Netflix, you need to have the latest version of the Netflix app on your device. You also need to have enough storage space and a Wi-Fi connection. You can download individual episodes or the entire season by tapping on the download icon next to the title or episode. You can also change the download quality and location in the app settings.
Once you have downloaded The Queen's Gambit to your device, you can watch it anytime and anywhere without an internet connection. You can access your downloads from the Downloads section of the app. You can also delete your downloads when you are done watching them or when they expire. Netflix downloads usually expire after 7 days or 48 hours after you start watching them, depending on the title.
The ratings and reviews
The Queen's Gambit has received critical acclaim and positive feedback from both critics and audiences. It has a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 143 reviews, with an average rating of 8.6/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "Its moves aren't always perfect, but between Anya Taylor-Joy's magnetic performance, incredibly realized period details, and emotionally intelligent writing, The Queen's Gambit is an absolute win."
It also has a 8.6/10 rating on IMDb, based on over 300,000 user ratings, and a 4.8/5 rating on Google, based on over 50,000 user reviews. The show has been praised for its acting, writing, directing, cinematography, music, costume design, and production design. Many viewers have also expressed their appreciation for the show's portrayal of chess, feminism, addiction, and mental health.
How accurate is The Queen's Gambit?
The chess experts behind the scenes
One of the most impressive aspects of The Queen's Gambit is its realistic and authentic depiction of chess. The show consulted several chess experts to ensure that the chess scenes were accurate and believable. The most notable ones are:
Garry Kasparov: A former world chess champion and one of the greatest players of all time. He advised the show on the historical and technical aspects of chess, such as the opening moves, the strategies, and the tournaments.
Bruce Pandolfini: A renowned chess teacher and author who wrote the book Pandolfini's Ultimate Guide to Chess. He was also Walter Tevis's chess consultant for the novel. He helped the show with the chess notation, terminology, and analysis.
Michele Clapton: A costume designer who worked on shows like Game of Thrones and The Crown. She designed the outfits for Beth and the other characters, using chess patterns, colors, and symbols to reflect their personalities and moods.
Thanks to these experts, The Queen's Gambit managed to create chess scenes that were not only visually stunning but also logically sound. The show also used real-life chess games as inspiration for some of the matches, such as Beth's final game against Borgov, which was based on a game between Vassily Ivanchuk and Patrick Wolff in 1993.
The historical and cultural references
The Queen's Gambit is set in the 1950s and 1960s, a period of significant social and political changes in the world. The show incorporates many historical and cultural references that add to its realism and relevance. Some of these references are:
The Cold War: The show depicts the tension and rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War era, especially in the field of chess. The Soviet players are portrayed as formidable opponents who have superior training and support from their government. Beth has to face them in several tournaments, including the Moscow Invitational, which is a fictional version of the real-life Piatigorsky Cup that took place in Los Angeles in 1966.
The Civil Rights Movement: The show touches upon the issue of racial discrimination and segregation in America during the 1950s and 1960s. The show features characters of different races and backgrounds, such as Jolene, a black girl who grows up in a predominantly white orphanage; Townes, a gay man who faces homophobia and repression; and Borgov, a Russian Jew who escapes persecution and becomes a chess champion. The show also shows scenes of protests, riots, and violence that occurred during the Civil Rights Movement.
The Feminist Movement: The show portrays the challenges and achievements of women in a patriarchal society, especially in the field of chess. Beth is one of the few female chess players in the world, and she has to deal with sexism, harassment, and doubt from her male peers and opponents. She also has to balance her career and personal life, as she faces pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations. The show also features other female characters who defy stereotypes and norms, such as Alma, who becomes an independent and successful woman after her husband leaves her; and Mrs. Deardorff, who runs the orphanage with authority and compassion.
The differences between the book and the show
The Queen's Gambit is based on the novel of the same name by Walter Tevis, published in 1983. The show follows the book closely, but it also makes some changes and additions to enhance the story and characters. Some of these differences are:
The timeline: The book covers Beth's life from age eight to age 19, while the show extends it to age 22. The book also skips some years in between, while the show fills in the gaps with more details and events.
The characters: The show adds some characters that are not in the book, such as Jolene, Townes, and Mrs. Deardorff. The show also changes some aspects of the existing characters, such as their appearance, personality, or relationship with Beth. For example, Benny is more friendly and supportive in the show than in the book; Harry is more romantic and involved in Beth's life in the show than in the book; and Alma is more loving and caring in the show than in the book.
The chess games: The show includes more chess games than the book, especially in the later episodes. The show also shows more details and variations of the chess moves and positions, using visual effects and narration to explain them. The show also uses different chess games as inspiration for some of the matches, such as Beth's final game against Borgov, which is different from the one in the book.
Why is The Queen's Gambit so popular?
The captivating performance of Anya Taylor-Joy
One of the main reasons why The Queen's Gambit is so popular is the captivating performance of Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon. The 24-year-old actress delivers a stunning portrayal of a complex and fascinating character, who is both vulnerable and strong, flawed and admirable, human and extraordinary. Taylor-Joy captures Beth's emotions, expressions, gestures, and mannerisms with subtlety and nuance. She also conveys Beth's growth and transformation throughout the series, from a shy and insecure girl to a confident and charismatic woman.
Taylor-Joy has received widespread praise and recognition for her role as Beth Harmon. She has won several awards, such as the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film, the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie. She has also been nominated for other awards, such as the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, and the MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Performance in a Show.
The stunning cinematography and production design
Another reason why The Queen's Gambit is so popular is the stunning cinematography and production design that create a vivid and immersive visual experience. The show uses a variety of techniques and elements to enhance the aesthetic and mood of the story, such as:
The colors: The show uses a rich and diverse color palette to reflect the different settings, emotions, and themes of the story. For example, the show uses warm and earthy tones for the orphanage, cold and dark tones for the hotel rooms, bright and vibrant tones for the chess tournaments, and contrasting tones for the chess boards and pieces.
The lighting: The show uses different types of lighting to create different effects and atmospheres. For example, the show uses natural and soft lighting for the daytime scenes, artificial and harsh lighting for the nighttime scenes, and dramatic and stylized lighting for the chess hallucinations.
The camera angles: The show uses various camera angles to capture the different perspectives and emotions of the characters. For example, the show uses low-angle shots to show Beth's dominance and confidence, high-angle shots to show her vulnerability and insecurity, close-up shots to show her expressions and reactions, and wide-angle shots to show her surroundings and isolation.
The sets: The show recreates the different locations and time periods of the story with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy. The show features various sets that represent the different places that Beth visits or lives in, such as the orphanage, the Wheatley house, the hotel rooms, the chess venues, and the airports. The show also uses props, furniture, costumes, and accessories that match the style and culture of each place and era.
The show has received acclaim and recognition for its cinematography and production design. It has won several awards, such as the Art Directors Guild Award for Excellence in Production Design for a Television Movie or Limited Series, the American Society of Cinematographers Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Motion Picture, Miniseries, or Pilot Made for Television, and the Costume Designers Guild Award for Excellence in Period Television. It has also been nominated for other awards, such as the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, the BAFTA TV Craft Award for Photography and Lighting: Fiction, and the MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Music Moment.
The inspiring story of a female genius
A third reason why The Queen's Gambit is so popular is the inspiring story of a female genius who overcomes her challenges and achieves her goals. The show tells the story of Beth Harmon, a young woman who has a remarkable talent and passion for chess, but also faces many difficulties and obstacles in her life, such as her orphanhood, her addiction, her loneliness, and her sexism. The show depicts how Beth uses her intelligence, courage, and resilience to overcome her problems and pursue her dream of becoming the world chess champion.
The show also portrays Beth as a complex and realistic character, who has both strengths and weaknesses, virtues and flaws, successes and failures. She is not a perfect heroine, but a human being who makes mistakes and learns from them. She is not a stereotypical nerd, but a stylish and charismatic woman who enjoys music, fashion, and romance. She is not a lonely loner, but a social and friendly person who forms meaningful relationships with others.
The show has inspired and empowered many viewers, especially women and girls, who relate to Beth's story and admire her character. The show has also sparked interest and curiosity in chess, especially among women and girls, who want to learn more about the game and its benefits. The show has been credited with increasing the popularity and participation of chess among women and girls around the world.
What are some fun facts and trivia about The Queen's Gambit?
The origin and meaning of the title
The title of the show, The Queen's Gambit, refers to a chess opening that involves sacrificing a pawn in exchange for gaining control of the center of the board. It is one of the oldest and most popular openings in chess history, dating back to the 15th century. It is also one of the openings that Beth uses in several of her games, including her final game against Borgov.
The title also has a symbolic meaning, as it reflects Beth's life and personality. She is like a queen on the chess board, powerful and versatile, but also vulnerable and exposed. She often gambles with her life and career, risking everything for the sake of winning. She also faces many gambits from her opponents, who try to lure her into traps or temptations.
The involvement of Heath Ledger in the project
Before The Queen's Gambit became a Netflix show, it was supposed to be a movie directed by Heath Ledger, the late actor who starred in films like Brokeback Mountain and The Dark Knight. Ledger was a fan of the novel by Walter Tevis, and he wanted to make it his directorial debut. He also wanted to play the role of Benny Watts, opposite Ellen Page as Beth Harmon.
Ledger had already written a script with screenwriter Allan Scott, and he had secured the rights from Tevis's widow. He had also met with Page and discussed his vision for the film. However, Ledger died of an accidental drug overdose in 2008, before he could start production. The project was then shelved for several years, until Scott revived it with Netflix and co-creator Scott Frank.
The impact of the show on chess interest
The Queen's Gambit has had a significant impact on the interest and popularity of chess around the world. The show has introduced chess to millions of people who had never played or watched it before, and it has inspired many people to learn or improve their chess skills. The show has also increased the demand and sales of chess sets, books, apps, websites, and online platforms.
According to various sources, such as Google Trends, eBay, Amazon, Chess.com, and the International Chess Federation, the show has caused a surge in chess-related searches, purchases, registrations, and memberships since its release in October 2020. The show has also attracted more attention and appreciation for the professional chess players and tournaments, such as the World Chess Championship and the Candidates Tournament.
The show has been praised by many chess experts and enthusiasts, who have commended its accuracy and realism, as well as its ability to make chess exciting and accessible to a wider audience. The show has also been credited with breaking some of the stereotypes and myths about chess, such as being boring, nerdy, or male-dominated.
Conclusion
The Queen's Gambit is a Netflix miniseries that tells the story of Beth Harmon, a fictional chess prodigy who rises to the top of the chess world in the 1950s and 1960s. The show is based on the novel by Walter Tevis, and it features a stellar cast, led by Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth. The show has received critical acclaim and popular success, for its captivating plot, characters, themes, and visuals. The show has also sparked a global interest and fascination with chess, especially among women and girls.
If you are looking for a show that combines drama, suspense, romance, and chess, you should definitely watch The Queen's Gambit on Netflix. You will not regret it.
FAQs
Is The Queen's Gambit based on a true story?
No, The Queen's Gambit is not based on a true story. It is based on a novel by Walter Tevis, who was a chess player himself. However, the show does draw inspiration from some real-life chess players and events, such as Bobby Fischer, Judit Polgar, Boris Spassky, and the 1972 World Chess Championship.
Who is the best chess player in the world?
The current world chess champion is Magnus Carlsen, a Norwegian grandmaster who has held the title since 2013. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, and he has the highest rating ever recorded. He is also known for his versatility and creativity in chess.
How can I learn to play chess?
There are many ways to learn to play chess, such as reading books, watching videos, taking lessons, or joining clubs. However, the best way to learn is by playing. You can play chess online or offline, with friends or strangers, for fun or for competition. You can also use apps or websites that offer tutorials, puzzles, and games to improve your skills and knowledge.
What are the benefits of playing chess?
Playing chess has many benefits for your brain and your life. Some of these benefits are:
It improves your memory: Playing chess requires you to remember the rules, the moves, the positions, and the strategies of the game. It also helps you to recall past games and learn from them.
It enhances your logic: Playing chess requires you to think logically and rationally, to analyze the situation and evaluate the consequences of your actions. It also helps you to solve problems and make decisions.
It boosts your creativity: Playing chess requires you to think creatively and imaginatively, to find new and original ways to attack or defend. It also helps you to express yourself and your personality through your style and preferences.
It develops your concentration: Playing chess requires you to focus and pay attention to every detail and every move. It also helps you to ignore distractions and stay calm under pressure.
It teaches you life lessons: Playing chess teaches you many life lessons, such as planning ahead, taking responsibility, learning from mistakes, accepting defeat, and celebrating victory. It also helps you to develop your character and values.
Where can I download The Queen's Gambit from Google Drive?
If you want to download The Queen's Gambit from Google Drive, you need to have a Google account and a Google Drive app on your device. You also need to have enough storage space and a Wi-Fi connection. You can follow these steps to download the show:
Go to the Google Drive website or app and sign in with your Google account.
Search for The Queen's Gambit by name or use this link: .
Select the folder that contains the show and open it.
Select the episode that you want to download and tap on the three dots icon.
Select Download from the menu and wait for the download to finish.
Enjoy watching The Queen's Gambit offline on your device.
Note: Downloading The Queen's Gambit from Google Drive may not be legal or safe, depending on the source and the quality of the file. You may encounter viruses, malware, or copyright infringement issues. You may also violate the terms and conditions of Netflix and Google. Therefore, we recommend that you watch The Queen's Gambit online on Netflix or download it from Netflix to your device, as explained above.
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