The Queen's Gambit

Arriving very late to the game with this one, The Queen's Gambit is a Netflix miniseries that released in 2020 and is adapted from Walter Tevis' fictional 1983 novel of the same name which stars Anya Taylor-Joy in the leading role as an aspiring chess player who happens upon the methodical sport. Chess is not something that comes with a wealth of cinematic history, besides the odd scene here or there, and the book itself has a seemingly quiet history without receiving any awards but the show's creators, Scott Frank and Allan Scott, took a chance on this with this and it certainly payed off.

Set in the early 1960s, Joy's Beth Harmon is left at an orphanage following problems with her family and unwittingly becomes engrossed in the world of chess with thanks to a surly janitor. The show runs for a total of eight episodes and follows Harmon's journey as she grows into a professional player in the male-dominated sport. 

With Netflix axing so many shows after a single season, it's hard for shows to survive in today's market which often leads many into over stacking the first episode in the hopes to hook its audience. The Queen's Gambit is a rare break from this ever frustrating norm and is a steadily paced yet engaging drama which has been clearly made with a lot of care and passion. Anya Taylor-Joy is also great in the leading role, earning herself a Golden Globe, and the same can be said with the supporting cast.

The Queen's Gambit is a great little drama that uses every episode carefully and satisfies with a good ending that is worth your time. It is also a great vehicle for Joy who is already going from strength to strength as one of the biggest new names in the industry. All in all, the miniseries is great to watch, even if you're not into chess, and is one I can happily recommend.