When people think of chess, they may not picture it as an intense, edge-of-your-seat game. But, in the mid-20th century, the game of chess was highly competitive; top players found themselves traveling around the world, attending championships in glitzy hotels, winning large sums of money, and posing for the front-page of popular chess magazines. Netflix’s new seven-episode mini-series based on a novel by Walter Tevis, The Queen’s Gambit, follows chess prodigy Beth Harmon’s journey to be the best player in the world, as well as the downfall of other parts of her personal life.  

Actress Anya Taylor-Joy was cast for the main character, Beth Harmon. Although the whole mini-series is a flashback, the first scene begins later, when she is already established as a top-player and is competing in a major game in Paris. However, a few scenes later, viewers are brought to the childhood accident Harmon was involved in, which took her mother’s life and made her an orphan. Harmon is brought to an orphanage for girls, and she stays there for the remainder of her childhood and into her early teens. Alcoholism and drug use are a clear focus of this mini-series, and viewers learn how they infiltrate Harmon’s life, starting very early on. There is a silver lining, albeit the depressing circumstances, as she becomes best friends with a character named Jolene. Harmon’s intelligence is clear to her teachers, and she surpasses her classmates quickly. The most important event that happened at the orphanage was Mr. Shaibel, the custodian, teaching Harmon how to play chess. He quickly sees that she is unusually good, a prodigy, and a local chess club director confirms his beliefs. Once she gets adopted, Harmon is right away swept into the world of competitive chess. Much of this mini-series follows her climbing the ranks, meeting new people, and becoming independent and successful, but also dealing with her traumatic past and unhealthy substance use. Harmon faces many challenges due to chess, from tough competitors, to unbearable stress and frustrating losses. Many of the plotlines craftily come together in this mini-series, making The Queen’s Gambit a must-watch to add to your list. 

When released on Oct. 23., the show was an instant global success. It was on Netflix’s number one spot in 63 countries, and in the top-10 in 92 countries. On Dec. 1, The Queen’s Gambit fell to fourth place in America, meaning it has remained in Netflix’s top-five for over a month now. Additionally, it is Netflix’s most-viewed scripted limited series ever. 

Senior Nida Ajmal expressed her positive opinion of the show: “The Queen’s Gambit is a perfectly complex and engaging show that is way more intense than you would think a chess show would ever be. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and falling in love with the different characters with different personalities. It makes you want to watch chess videos afterward, even though you have no idea what’s going on.” 

Students were asked if they have watched the show or not. Senior Victoria Medina stated, “I have heard of The Queen’s Gambit, but I haven’t had the chance to watch it yet. I really want to, though, because I have only heard positive reviews of it. It’s on my Netflix list.” Freshman Charles Reid said, “I have watched the first episode, but I haven’t watched the full series. I have heard of the show before from many people who are obsessed with it. I definitely plan to keep watching it.” 

The intensity, the cinematography, and the top-notch acting make The Queen’s Gambit one of Netflix’s biggest hits this year and a must-watch for all.