Analyzing 'The Queen's Gambit'

 Found in almost every household around the world, chess is a board game cherished by the young and old alike. In addition to connecting generations through tactical skills and strategic planning, it also offers a unique insight into the changes the world has since its inception, observed and undergone. 
Suffice to say, it acts as a link between the mind and the soul, the present and the past, even life and death. 

Written and directed by Scott Frank (the writer of Logan) The Queen's Gambit is an American miniseries (available on Netflix) which revolves around an incredibly gifted young orphan- Beth Harmon who manages to touch the hearts of the millions lending their ears to her story through her love for chess and her own inner battles against the demons she became vulnerable to at a very young age. 
Released only a few months ago, in October, it has managed to reach innumerable people already and has awakened a fire for chess in their hearts. That is the power it holds. To resist the calls of the mentioned board game after watching the series seems like a possibility even Doctor Strange would've deemed non-existent.
However, along with highlighting the cruelties of addiction, distress, psychosis and of course, chess, the series, set in the era of the Cold War, also explores other very important themes. 
Let's discuss some of them in detail- 

1) The Position of Chess in the Population 
-While America had a distinctively rigid approach to the game and the game itself was seen as patriarchal leisure to most, countless Russians appeared to have been familiar with it in comparison. The latter not only had usual roadside chess hubs out in the open but also seemed greatly invested in its championships and the players themselves. 

2) Gender Inequality 
-This appears to me a theme which does not require much emphasis. Beth's newly-found interest in chess was reluctantly accepted by her orphanage's janitor (he also explicitly stated chess is not for girls), who soon became her teacher and also supported her in her first tournament. Furthermore, even the other chess players she played with throughout her career often had a hard time facing their defeat on her hands because of her gender (which was widely commercialized by countless news agencies). 
Her journey seen through the lens of this particular theme is particularly empowering. 

3) The Consequences of Opposing Views on Religion and Politics 
-Beth was approached by Christian missionaries who offered to sponsor her if she agreed to vocalize her 'obvious beliefs and faith in Christianity' on the trip. When Beth refused to do so by stating that she viewed herself as an atheist majorly, it was met by sharp disapproval from the missionaries who then went on to express their opinions which viewed communism as a poison released in the minds of countless through the Marxist-Leninist system. 
The political incompatibility of a capitalist America and a communist USSR clearly exercised a strong influence over the time period. 

4) Collectivism vs Individualism 
-The relationship between the grandmasters of the USSR was in sheer contrast to the forever lingering hostility between the grandmasters of the other nations. 
While the former played as a single unit, the latter had a very personal approach to the same. This was also perfectly rounded off towards the end when Beth's American opponents and chess-mates (including her previous lovers) called her to then help her analyze all the apparent roads her game with the world's champion might lead to. 
Heart-warming? Absolutely. Hotel? Trivago. 

5) Racism 
-The stereotypes and prejudices Jolene, Beth's friend had experienced brought out the discriminatory side people still possess. 
Talking about Jolene, the bond she shared with Beth was so pure it made me weep my eyes out in the end. I often find myself wishing it was explored more. 


My favorite part about the entire series is the perfect circle it formed. There are many disappointing endings which have the power to diffuse the entire effect of the story, but the ending of this series felt absolutely complete and I could not have asked for a better one, truly. 
It did not back away from reality and darkness and assured the viewer of the existence of the light every dark tunnel has if we wish to fight for it. 
The transformation Beth attained cannot be explained in words, it is that beautiful and who doesn't love a wholesome character development?  

In conclusion, The Queen's Gambit is a must watch. It is not very demanding and can be easily completed in a few days. It will surely leave you with lots of food for thought and an insatiable thirst for the lovely game.

 
Because as a very talented and strong lady once said, "Chess is not always competitive. Chess can also be...beautiful";)