Anya Taylor-Joy’s The Queen’s Gambit Is Netflix’s Best Single-Day Binge

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Sports movies often focus on inspiring stories of underdogs achieving the impossible, like we see in films such as Rudy and Rocky. However, less popular sports rarely get that kind of attention. That’s where The Queen’s Gambit comes in – it successfully brings the world of chess to the big screen.

Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, The Queen’s Gambit follows a brilliant young chess player as she battles personal struggles on her journey to becoming a champion. Despite being a quick watch, the miniseries is highly acclaimed – earning a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – and features a compelling story that’s sure to captivate you.

The Queen’s Gambit Brings Sports Drama to Chess Without Wasting Time

Based on Walter Tevis’s novel of the same name, The Queen’s Gambit follows Beth Harmon, a remarkably talented chess player who rises to prominence in the 1950s and 60s despite being an orphan. While achieving success in the chess world, Beth also struggles with addiction to alcohol and drugs.

The show reveals Beth’s inner world and the roots of her addiction without slowing down the story. It began in childhood, when she was given tranquilizers at the orphanage, but even then, she was a gifted chess player. While her addiction causes problems, it’s surprisingly distinct from her chess skills, and it even appears to help her concentrate.

Many stories feature a protagonist who suffers a major setback, but The Queen’s Gambit takes a different approach. It focuses on how Beth’s own pride and overconfidence cause her problems at crucial moments. The show highlights her intense drive to win, and while her addiction is present, it’s not the primary cause of her struggles – a refreshing change from typical narratives.

The most captivating aspect of The Queen’s Gambit is undoubtedly the chess matches themselves. Each game offers a glimpse into Beth’s brilliant mind, showcasing her ability to anticipate her opponents’ moves and essentially become unstoppable. This transforms what might seem like a dull game into something thrilling, and it also makes viewers invested in her personal struggle with addiction, hoping she overcomes it.

She relies on drugs or alcohol, believing they give her an edge in competitions. However, this habit is actually a destructive cycle she thinks she can manage, but eventually loses control of. The series, spanning seven episodes, also shows Beth forming strong friendships that ultimately help her discover who she truly is.

The Queen’s Gambit is a Short But Rewarding Binge Watch

As a total movie and TV buff, I’ve seen a lot of Netflix miniseries, and they really run the gamut. But The Queen’s Gambit? It’s just different. I found it so refreshing to watch a sports drama set in a really specific era, focusing on the surprisingly compelling world of chess, while still feeling deeply human and relatable. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the struggles the main character faces, and that’s what really hooked me.

Anya Taylor-Joy brilliantly portrays Beth Harmon, capturing all her complexities. What makes her performance so compelling is that you simultaneously want to support her and get frustrated with her decisions. This layered character elevates an already fantastic show, and the chess matches themselves are an added bonus.

Honestly, with so many shows out there, it’s tough to find one that really grabs you. But I have to say, The Queen’s Gambit completely surprised me. It doesn’t immediately seem like much, but it really delivers! I found myself hooked, and it was perfect for any kind of day – sunny, rainy, or just when I needed something to break up the boredom. I immediately wanted to tell everyone I knew to watch it!

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2026-01-21 03:37