By Teresa Zhang

November 12, 2020

Brilliant and smart, The Queen’s Gambit is a sure recommendation for those that like both the cerebral intrigue of academic competition coupled with the stylish aesthetic of the sixties. The seven episode miniseries features Anya Taylor-Joy in the starring role, with Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Harry Melling, and Marielle Heller in supporting roles.

Set throughout the late fifties and sixties, The Queen’s Gambit tells the fictional story of the rise of Beth Harmon, from her early years at the orphanage to her career-defining match with world champion chess player Vasily Borgov. Along the way, Beth deals with isolation, drug and alcohol addiction, along with sexism from both her male competitors and the world around her.