The Queen's Gambit

I never really watch tv shows because I find it hard to be consistent, but I couldn't stop watching The Queen's Gambit. Beth Harmon is written in a way that seems easy to understand, but her cunning and perceived coldness stems from a dark and lonely past.

Growing up in an orphanage, she quickly learned to rely on her independence and cleverness to survive. The orphanage also proves to be a key starting point for new developments and relationships in her story, and we watch as her skill and passion for chess grows.

Through playing chess, Beth meets (and defeats) new people, and - even in a show like this, with serious themes and concepts - I couldn't help but feel immense pride in seeing Beth making it out of a small town in the States and playing across grandmasters in Russia.

Beth's story is nothing short of captivating, and it was incredible to watch the ups and downs of her life. Finishing this show made me ask questions and left me wanting more. Did she end up staying in Russia? What will the world make of this powerhouse of a female chess player? Overall, this show stood out to me as a show I was glad to spend time watching, and Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal of such a deep and layered person was truly inspiring.

This show deserves an audience in chess enthusiasts, lovers of the 'obsessed underdog' trope, and those who might appreciate a glimpse of the vintage aesthetic and fashion that characterized the 50s and 60s.