The Queen's Gambit

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 23, 2020
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 173 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 152 out of 173
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 173
  3. Negative: 13 out of 173
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User Reviews

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  1. Jortigo
    Nov 26, 2020
    10
    How would you describe this chess masterpiece, one of the best miniseries of the year besides Netflix? The young actress transmits everything she feels with the expression of her eyes in a magical way.
    The aesthetics, the wardrobe and everything related to the period in which it takes place is impeccable and very well achieved.
    Magnifica and Gloriosa are the correct terms for this great    How would you describe this chess masterpiece, one of the best miniseries of the year besides Netflix? The young actress transmits everything she feels with the expression of her eyes in a magical way.
    The aesthetics, the wardrobe and everything related to the period in which it takes place is impeccable and very well achieved.
    Magnifica and Gloriosa are the correct terms for this great work by the director, producer and all the people involved in the project.    … Expand
  2. SimboTheKing
    Dec 8, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm gonna get the positives out of the way first. This is a very good show. What I write next does not detract from the fact that this show is very good.

    However...

    I do think it has been hyped a bit beyond its merits. I know this seems crazy to say for a show that I'm still giving 8/10 to but, from how its been received, I was expecting a miiniseries that is (for example) Chernobyl or Watchmen's quality. Whilst The Queen's Gambit is good it is not at this level.

    There is a still a good amount to praise though. Firstly, Anya Taylor-Joy has cemented herself as one of the best young actors of today with her role in this. She is a marvel and definitely deserves the credit she's been getting for this performance.

    Furthermore, I love the cinematic direction Scott Frank chooses especially the way he actually films the chess scenes. There are almost shot like action sequences and this goes a long way in creating excitement for a game that is generally seen as quite dry.

    My main criticisms are that some of the characters felt a bit 2D and they functioned more as plot devices rather than fully-fledged characters. To differing extents Mr Shaibel, Beth's birth mother and Jolene could all be accused of this. They did attempt to address this in the final episode but it still failed for me.

    Ultimately though, this show is still worth watching. It's maybe not as good as I expected but it is still very competently made TV that I don't regret checking out.    … Expand
  3. kidcassidy14
    Oct 25, 2020
    8
    Very good tv series. The 3 women (mother, young Beth, older Beth) were very good. Watched it together with my wife and I think she would rate this show even higher. It's entertaining from the start and was just very well written, acted and filmed.
  4. Rmiles801
    Oct 27, 2020
    8
    Good show for sure, makes me want to play a game in chess of which I never really found to be too entertaining. That said, it does seem rushed at times for sure, I suppose that's what happens when it's only 7 episodes, could definitely use some more detail around certain things that didn't really make sense as well as more character building, but all in all it is definitely worth the watch.
  5. Haz5077
    Nov 3, 2020
    10
    One of the best Netflix shows I've ever watched, thrilling from start to finish and superbly acted!
  6. TomWish
    Nov 14, 2020
    6
    At first I was glad that they didn't depict the orphanage as a hellhole, but then it was a little bit too much in the other direction, with all nice and diverse people.

    Also Beth's chess skills are a way over the top which makes this rather a fairy tale than a real life story. Towards the end it got a little too cheesy for my taste. This is a pity because the young Beth is absolutely    At first I was glad that they didn't depict the orphanage as a hellhole, but then it was a little bit too much in the other direction, with all nice and diverse people.

    Also Beth's chess skills are a way over the top which makes this rather a fairy tale than a real life story. Towards the end it got a little too cheesy for my taste.

    This is a pity because the young Beth is absolutely lovely and also the grown up actor really good (would like to see more of her). After all it was all nice to watch, but (despite the sex & drugs content) rather a childish entertainment.    … Expand
  7. aantik4444
    Nov 5, 2020
    10
    Can only repeat what the others said before me: intelligent writing, expert directing, superb acting and the attention to details is incredible. And the music is sublime..
  8. mrmonster
    Oct 30, 2020
    8
    A true gift with powerhouse performances from it's young stars. Watching it made me fall in love with chess all over again.
  9. avr50
    Nov 2, 2020
    10
    The Queen's Gambit is an incredible experience. You are gonna be invested in the story since the beginning. It may be that the premise of the show might be simple, but the execution of the story is just majestic. Anya Taylor Joy is simply fantastic and is a very good reason to stay. In the end, this show is incredible, and has done something that for me was impossible; make chess somethingThe Queen's Gambit is an incredible experience. You are gonna be invested in the story since the beginning. It may be that the premise of the show might be simple, but the execution of the story is just majestic. Anya Taylor Joy is simply fantastic and is a very good reason to stay. In the end, this show is incredible, and has done something that for me was impossible; make chess something exciting.… Expand
  10. radulle
    Oct 25, 2020
    10
    A must watch chess themed fairy-tale with a strong cast, great story and fabulous atmosphere. Highly recommended to any chess fan.
  11. curiouschem
    Oct 25, 2020
    9
    I only watched the first episode but unlike my usual binge watching a great series I am going to saviour this one as it is thoroughly intriguing. The actors are really good and the whole feel is one of authenticity. Makes me want to dust of the old chess board and polish up on my own skills! Thoroughly enjoyable and I sincerely hope the next episode is as good as the first one.
  12. Gregdel
    Oct 24, 2020
    10
    This is the best show of 2020! Anya Taylor Joy deserve the Emmy right now. She was AMAZING. The story, the cinematography, the costumes, the music, the actors, everything was perfect
  13. Neanderguy
    Oct 26, 2020
    10
    Absolutely the best written and acting EVER on Netflix. Should get every nomination possible for Gordon Globes and Enrmys. The sets, production, editing and direction excellent. Best ending possible. I didn’t want it to stop.

    What is The Queen's Gambit about? Based on the novel by Walter Tevis, this coming-of-age story explores the true cost of genius. Abandoned and entrusted to a    Absolutely the best written and acting EVER on Netflix. Should get every nomination possible for Gordon Globes and Enrmys. The sets, production, editing and direction excellent. Best ending possible. I didn’t want it to stop.

    What is The Queen's Gambit about?

    Based on the novel by Walter Tevis, this coming-of-age story explores the true cost of genius.

    Abandoned and entrusted to a Kentucky orphanage in the late 1950s, a young Beth Harmon discovers an astonishing talent for chess while developing an addiction to tranquilizers provided by the state as a sedative for the children.

    Haunted by her personal demons and fuelled by a cocktail of narcotics and obsession, Beth transforms into an impressively skilled and glamorous outcast while determined to conquer the traditional boundaries established in the male-dominated world of competitive chess.    … Expand
  14. shoulderoforion
    Oct 24, 2020
    10
    Wonderful. This show was so good from start to finish, a welcome distraction in this terrible autumn. I take no points off for the every so eye roll inducing dips into the unbelievable, including that unnecessary magic negro trope. This was excellent episodic television. Recommended.
  15. Lord_Beerus
    Oct 23, 2020
    9
    I truly felt this deserved a 10, but since I am one of those skeptics who completely ignores reviews from the extreme ends of the spectrum I went with a 9. This show was a perfect example of what happens when you have star like ATJ, who is always brilliant, has her performance matched by the writers and her co-stars. There is something for everyone here and even if you haven't played aI truly felt this deserved a 10, but since I am one of those skeptics who completely ignores reviews from the extreme ends of the spectrum I went with a 9. This show was a perfect example of what happens when you have star like ATJ, who is always brilliant, has her performance matched by the writers and her co-stars. There is something for everyone here and even if you haven't played a single game of chess in your life you will be entertained from beginning to end (If anything you are more likely to leave it wanting to learn more about the game). The length is also perfect at 7 episodes so there is none of that dragging on that can sometimes occur with netflix seasons. One of the best shows of the year and I'm confident that anyone who decides to give this a shot will not be disappointed!… Expand
  16. Raafaye
    Oct 25, 2020
    10
    Honestly amazing watch with a great narrative that’s gripping and an easy watch with lots of character depth. The best show I have watched so far this year
  17. Alightz
    Oct 24, 2020
    10
    I don't watch movie a lot since it tend to cause more time to sit through a movie / series rather than just watch it. But this is on the "definitely worth watching it for the experience"
  18. atorado
    Nov 1, 2020
    9
    This one I liked a lot !!
    Great story, wonderfully written and performed....finally a highly enjoyable miniseries without bloody violence or racial and LGBTQ conflict situations. A world of chess always dominated by men is taken by surprise to the highest level by the tactic plays of a talented female teenager.
    This time Netflix got it big and did it great !!
  19. vanessa235
    Oct 24, 2020
    10
    Loved watching this with my husband. It was a very entertaining show since I’m not the biggest fan of chess. The music amazing. Would definitely recommend!
  20. sincred
    Oct 26, 2020
    10
    No se si es porque me gusta el ajedrez, pero la serie me facino, me la vi de principio a fin, la recomiendo un 100%.
  21. Baucher
    Oct 27, 2020
    8
    As an Argentine I must express the pride and fascination I feel for Anya Taylor-Joy, Beautiful and versatile and with a deep look. I liked the tv series, even if you don't like chess or don't know how to play it, I think you may be interested in the series and awaken an interest in the game, the plot and the secondary characters are interesting.
  22. Derrol
    Oct 24, 2020
    10
    Big suprise. i enjoy every moment of this show. Best series of 2020? Maybe yes.
  23. HIM78
    Nov 10, 2020
    0
    The only question that arises after watching this series is who in it was most insulted - the men or women who believe that marriage and family are important? Almost all the men here are worthless, weak and certainly not equal to the main character. At the same time, her personality is not revealed - just a character-function with sterile traits. All married women in the series are deeplyThe only question that arises after watching this series is who in it was most insulted - the men or women who believe that marriage and family are important? Almost all the men here are worthless, weak and certainly not equal to the main character. At the same time, her personality is not revealed - just a character-function with sterile traits. All married women in the series are deeply unhappy - they are all abandoned by their traitorous husbands, and now they are forced to die in a traffic accident or from alcoholism. Most young girls are also empty and mediocre - they are only interested in men and clothes. What does this show teach? In fact, nothing, absolutely. Many chess games of the first series do not stand up to any criticism - supposedly professional players build the game worse than beginners. Key takeaway: This show is a complete disappointment with wasted time.… Expand
  24. Ruben16C
    Nov 14, 2020
    10
    I'm in love... No seriously, this series is truly amazing! I didn't take a second of this beautiful picture for granted, every element was brilliant.
  25. steco2000
    Nov 11, 2020
    9
    Flawless. In addition to a magnificent protagonist, beautifully played by an excellent Anya Taylor-Joy, the series is very well written and narrated, to the point of keeping the viewer glued to the screen for all seven episodes, despite the relatively low pace. Too bad for the ending that, despite being very nice and consistent with the rest of the story, I found it a little bit hasty, butFlawless. In addition to a magnificent protagonist, beautifully played by an excellent Anya Taylor-Joy, the series is very well written and narrated, to the point of keeping the viewer glued to the screen for all seven episodes, despite the relatively low pace. Too bad for the ending that, despite being very nice and consistent with the rest of the story, I found it a little bit hasty, but that's okay. Not to be missed!… Expand
  26. UnityGambit
    Nov 5, 2020
    10
    This is easily the Best TV Show I watch this year. It makes me happy when it needs and emotional when it needs. The character arc and development is presented in a 3 dimensional way instead of just in your face addiction is bad. The theme of you are not alone may have use a lot before but non has done has brilliant as in The Queen's Gambit.

    Also Anya Taylor-Joy is such a Queen.
  27. Surfwriter
    Nov 7, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. “The Queen’s Gambit” is compelling in its performances, esthetic qualities and skillful direction. Unfortunately, the miniseries suffers from being overly long and losing some steam along the way. The story of an orphaned and traumatized young girl, Beth Harmon, who becomes a chess prodigy and gains international acclaim while wrestling with her demons draws some inspiration from the formal and stylistic qualities of literature. (The series itself is adapted from a novel of the same name.) Beth tries hard to build an impenetrable mask over her churning internal life, but her awkward and straining self-control breaks down periodically. It’s only in the alternate universe of a chess game that she feels comfortable and in command.

    Anya Taylor-Joy is a striking exotic beauty and outstanding actress in the lead role, though over time her manner strains somewhat and the high-end makeup, hair and fashion wardrobe start to seem more decorative than just an expression of the character’s conscious style. Progressing from youth to adolescence to young adulthood, this variation of the coming-of-age saga succeeds largely on the strength of Taylor-Joy’s captivating presence, her complex but subtle expressiveness. That’s hard to sustain over a seven-part series. The production’s length taxes our patience with the tight, emotionally repressed Beth as she hastens her descent into addiction with pills and alcohol. Her largely solitary existence is set against many dim interiors made sumptuous by the visual mastery of the filmmaker.

    Beth’s struggle to banish those inner demons, to overcome obstacles and flourish in the real world, not just the comfort zone of a chess game—that should be intense and involving for viewers, not grinding. The series could have been more impactful if edited down to more like five or at most six episodes instead of the full seven in the production. There’s a tendency to dwell too much on the details of Beth’s dreary life in an orphanage and then her increasingly dissolute lifestyle as she struggles with addiction and a troubling past while trying to excel at her great passion, chess. But the relationship with a janitor at the orphanage, who is a serious student of chess, is valuable for its emotional undercurrent as well as the springboard for Beth’s obsession with chess.

    Episodes four and five, in particular, devote too much time to Beth’s unraveling through selfish and indulgent behavior. That includes wilder binges and trysts with admirers whom she uses thoughtlessly, sometimes has empty sex with (at least empty for her), or tries to learn lessons she can use in her chess career. The ‘60s era music inserted loudly into these episodes is too jarring, obtrusive and annoying. Elsewhere, the original score for the production is more low-key and seamless.

    It’s unfortunate that my sympathy turned somewhat sour in viewing the character of Beth as the episodes drag on with a certain tedium. But then she reconnects with her former friend from the orphanage and begins the road to recovery and redemption. The series tries a little too hard to spur the audience into rooting for Beth to take down her Russian chess nemesis and end on a more upbeat note, though the triumphant finale is somewhat forced and cliched. But Beth’s victory in chess and life is emotionally satisfying anyway, and in the final episode recaptures some of the tighter pacing and plot advancement that marks the best of the production.

    The cast varies in quality. There are several interesting characters played convincingly, sometimes to strong emotional effect, by a handful of actors who appear throughout the series. Among them is Beth’s adoptive mother, played by Marielle Heller, who turns out to be damaged goods herself—alcoholic, unfulfilled, stuck in a loveless marriage to a truly contemptible man. Played with great depth and hardbitten tenderness by actor Billy Camp, the janitor and first chess teacher Mr. Shaibel becomes a kind of mentor and father figure for Beth.

    Taylor-Joy’s performance merits award consideration, without a doubt. In addition to her acting ability, or maybe integral to that talent, she has one of those uniquely beautiful and fascinating faces that the camera adores. The filmmaker enhances that alluring quality with lighting, angles and of course great hair and makeup in every scene, sometimes to excess. Her looks can definitely kill, or just thrill. But it does strain realism a bit when she’s done up so masterfully for every scene, as if Beth’s a professional makeup artist and stylist nonpareil. She’s a perfectionist and a narcissist who dotes on her own image, sure, but there must be moments when Beth lets her hair down and eschews the eyeliner and lashes.    … Expand
  28. drlowdon
    Mar 21, 2021
    8
    Based on the novel of the same name, Queen's Gambit follows the life of orphaned chess prodigy Beth Harmon as she struggles with addiction whilst attempting to rise to the top of the chess world.

    I’ll admit that my knowledge of chess is fairly limited, but the show does a good job of explaining some of the intricacies without over doing it, and instead focuses on Beth’s journey and    Based on the novel of the same name, Queen's Gambit follows the life of orphaned chess prodigy Beth Harmon as she struggles with addiction whilst attempting to rise to the top of the chess world.

    I’ll admit that my knowledge of chess is fairly limited, but the show does a good job of explaining some of the intricacies without over doing it, and instead focuses on Beth’s journey and struggles.
    The show is beautifully shot and full of great performances (Anya Taylor-Joy is phenomenal in the lead role) and I thoroughly enjoyed it from from start to finish.    … Expand
  29. abm0
    Jan 30, 2021
    7
    As others have said, this is more a fairytale than a realistic drama, we never really get a sense of how she got to be so good that she wins so often and so easily. There's nothing that convincing about her drug-induced hallucinations of the chess board on the ceiling or her simply reading tons of books about chess. Also, chess players have commented that at the top championship levelsAs others have said, this is more a fairytale than a realistic drama, we never really get a sense of how she got to be so good that she wins so often and so easily. There's nothing that convincing about her drug-induced hallucinations of the chess board on the ceiling or her simply reading tons of books about chess. Also, chess players have commented that at the top championship levels there should've been many more draws because players are so closely matched up there.

    Then there's the fact that chess itself is way overrated, it shouldn't be such a big deal that a woman can play chess as well as any man (you could say the same thing about Tetris or whatever). Anya's acting is also overrated, she's not showing much emotional range until the last episode, mostly she's just sitting around poker-faced, looking pretty in some well chosen era-appropriate supermodel outfits, spending time in expensive hotels. Also a bit disturbing how casually they gloss over her substance abuse or the fact that chess was essentially a dissociative refuge from her childhood trauma.

    But other than that, it was entertaining enough for a 7/10, I'll give it that.    … Expand
  30. Cdharrison101
    Nov 21, 2020
    10
    Amazing show. Great script, incredible acting and gorgeous set designs and clothes. perfect escape from COVID hell.
  31. skeletorcares
    Feb 11, 2021
    3
    The allegory is just too heavy handed for me. We get it, your chess playing has a connection to your life.
  32. SillySallyy
    Dec 14, 2020
    6
    Like others have said, could have done better as a movie. There wasn't enough meaningful content to cover 7 episodes. I very much enjoyed how the series was filmed as well as the costumes and decor. The camerawork during the chess matches plays with lots of suspense and makes something like chess far more intriguing than I thought. It came out of the gates strong but towards the end ILike others have said, could have done better as a movie. There wasn't enough meaningful content to cover 7 episodes. I very much enjoyed how the series was filmed as well as the costumes and decor. The camerawork during the chess matches plays with lots of suspense and makes something like chess far more intriguing than I thought. It came out of the gates strong but towards the end I found I was finishing it just to finish it and the last few episode became quite predictable. It's good enough to give it a watch, just don't expect to be blown away.… Expand
  33. Am92
    Dec 14, 2020
    5
    Would’ve made more sense for it to be a movie, so many scenes where absolutely nothing happened but cheaply disguised as plot or character development . Never in my life have I seen a more detestable main character, even though she’s an orphan I somehow hated her. Besides her intelligence, she was devoid of any good qualities. Finally she faced minimal adversity, making it a bit of a jokeWould’ve made more sense for it to be a movie, so many scenes where absolutely nothing happened but cheaply disguised as plot or character development . Never in my life have I seen a more detestable main character, even though she’s an orphan I somehow hated her. Besides her intelligence, she was devoid of any good qualities. Finally she faced minimal adversity, making it a bit of a joke for me towards the latter stages. Massively overrated. Having said that there were great moments sprinkled throughout but that’s it.… Expand
  34. TheJaym
    Dec 12, 2020
    8
    Well made , nice storyline . One of the best drama series of recent years for sure .
  35. geewah
    Feb 7, 2021
    8
    A fine limited series that fades over the last couples of episodes.
    The last 2 episodes become a bit too predictable and cheesy, but on the whole a clever show with high production values.
    Anya Taylor-Joy is captivating in the lead role.
  36. pdavis22
    Jan 19, 2021
    10
    My fav Netflix show of 2020. The storytelling, acting, action of the chess games was pure entertainment. And yes I said action. The series also helped develop my nostalgic love for the game of chess and relive fun memories playing with my grandpa as a young lad.

    Give this one a shot!

Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best TV Season of 2020
13
#13 Most Discussed TV Season of 2020
60
#60 Most Shared TV Season of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    Oct 30, 2020
    88
    Everything that works in writer-director Scott Frank’s highly bingeworthy adaptation of “The Queen’s Gambit,” which is most everything about it, comes from treating Walter Tevis’ 1983 novel just seriously enough. ... The results aren’t “important," or “improving.” They’re just pretty irresistible.
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  2. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Kelly Lawler
    Oct 28, 2020
    88
    "Queen's" [script] is electrifying. Frank's direction is full of quick cuts, artful framing and beautiful shots. Paired with the superb score, "Queen's" gives the series' many chess matches near Olympic tension and gravitas, as exciting as any great sports film. But "Queen's" wouldn't sing without Taylor-Joy, who turns in one of the best performances of her already celebrated young career.
    Read full review
  3. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Oct 27, 2020
    80
    Taylor-Joy’s cerebral acting meshes perfectly with Beth’s story. She’s an actor of micro-expressions, of flickers of eyes and twitches of lips, and what makes The Queen Gambit such a good fit for her is the way she keeps both the viewer and Beth’s opponents at arm’s length.
    Read full review
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