What is that single most important characteristic of a book adaptation? For me the answer is simply that it should captivate you with its storyline in the same magnetic way like the original book. There are various screen adaptations which vary a degree or two from this basic rule, in turn becoming less effective than the content of its original print matter. The Queen’s Gambit, however remains true to the enthralling quality of its original book- Walter Trevi’s original book of the same name, and grabs our attention from the first scene itself.

Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Harmon is a lonely child, been brought up by her mother as a recluse from a the wider world, even refusing access to her father or any other family member. And one day, when Alice Harmon- Beth’s mother, can’t bear anymore of the outside world, she takes her daughter on a ride which ends up in an accident killing her. The freshly orphaned Beth is then transferred to a Catholic Home for young girls called Methuen Home for Girls and from here starts Beth’s complicated, socially awkward journey to being a part of the normal world.

Brought up in social isolation by a genius-turned-mentally-unstable-mother; assimilation with other girls, following behavioural rules, maintaining a strict social order is not so easy on Beth. She barely manages to make a single friend called Jolene, who remains loyal to Beth’s talents till the very end. So surrounded by so many girls of this orphanage but still feeling lonely, the only refuge she finds is in Chess; which is discovered by pure chance while running an errand in the basement and noticing Mr. Shaibal, Methuen Home for Girls’ janitor playing it on his own. What started as a curious inquiry about this strange game then becomes Beth’s passion. So much so that she continues to yearn for it even after getting adopted by Wheatley family.

Beth’s chafing under various good girl expectations versus her mental struggle to return to chess really pushes this story forward and takes Beth on a fascinating journey of professional chess. You will certainly admire her growing relationship with Alma Wheatley and her acceptance of Alma as a mother figure, albeit a bit too late. The childhood trauma, the habitual use of mood enhancing pills being administered since Beth’s day in Methuen and Alma’s growing alcoholism literally pushes her to the brink. How Beth survives this and comes back stronger, glowing is a treat to watch on the screen itself.

Besides the amazing special effects and superb work in the costume department, the interiors of homes, hotels and the grand vistas of all cities present the swinging decade true to its form. We certainly have to praise the cinematography and direction which give us a vivid impression of Beth’s world in all its ugliness and glory. And then the actors, although most of the actors are relatively unheard of, they leave their respective stamps on each of the characters they play.

However, this review won’t be complete without mentioning Anya Taylor-Joy who not only presents the central figure in this drama as Elizabeth ’Beth’ Harmon but actually brings her to life as a living, breathing person. She shows Beth’s high jinxes, her lowest low points, her friendships, her unrequited love, her experiences of being a single woman, her expectations to be socially acceptable and much more. After seeing this we can understand why she deserves all the high praises she has garnered and why Beth will always stay with her for a long time to come.

Anyone who is looking for a good story, a story filled with passionate chess players and definitely a story of a complex, powerful woman, then this Netflix mini series won’t disappoint you. Absolutely binge watch worthy!!