Hi Film Fans!
It has been a while since my last review, but I recently saw an extraordinary film that I would highly recommend. Let's talk about The Queen's Gambit.
Oh my, what an original, creative film! It is an eight part mini-series that tells the story of a young girl who struggles to become a chess master.
I will comment briefly on what makes this flick fascinating without giving away details of the plot. Consistent with the goal of this blog, I strive to make the reviews short and intentionally vague!
Many of the grandmasters of chess are raised in affluent and supportive environments. Parents often spend fortunes on lessons and tournaments. In some countries, like Russia, the government provides finances for training.
Now imagine a child raised in an orphanage. Imagine the same child adopted by parents who who don't care much about her and care less about her interest in chess. Moreover, what if the young girl is hooked on tranquilizers as a kid and "raised" by an alcoholic mother?
Is it possible for someone from a culturally impoverished and dysfunctional background to become a chess great? What are her chances?
Watch the film to find out!
Several actresses play the protagonist, Elizabeth Harmon, at different stages of her life. But is the young adult actress, Anya Taylor-Joy, who dazzles as the aspiring chess player in her late teens and early 20s. She creates a very shaded, multi-faceted genius, perhaps slightly autistic, who perseveres to achieve a dream.
How does the establishment, those used to coddled male chess stars, react to the newcomer? With brutal criticism and toxic incredulity. The naysayers are everywhere! Therein lies the fascination of the film. It seems like the whole world is against the young chess star.
Clearly, young Beth, later known as Elizabeth, travels a lonely road to recognition. But wait...just when the girl seems most isolated, supporters do emerge. Who are they? Again, for you the viewers to discover!
I guarantee you will be glued to the screen for all eight episodes. As we root for the brilliant kid to succeed, we learn about the complex and competitive world of professional chess.
Be sure to put this one at the top of your watchlist...I'll give it an A+...one of the best I've seen in recent years.
Enjoy!
