After 6 Years, Anya Taylor-Joy’s 7-Part Netflix Masterpiece With Near-Perfect RT Score Is Still Worth A Binge

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Anya Taylor-Joy quickly became a major star, and her role as Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit truly launched her into the spotlight. The part required her to be intense, smart, and emotionally open, and she delivered a memorable performance that made her a household name.

Released in 2020 on Netflix, The Queen’s Gambit is based on Walter Tevis’s 1983 novel of the same name and quickly became a huge cultural hit. While a show about chess tournaments might not seem like a guaranteed success, the series’ compelling story and beautiful visuals drew viewers in from around the world.

Not only did The Queen’s Gambit spark a renewed interest in chess, but it also launched Anya Taylor-Joy into international stardom, making her a leading actress of the moment. Even six years later, having earned two Golden Globes and eleven Primetime Emmy Awards, the miniseries remains a critically acclaimed and popular hit for Netflix.

What Is The Queen’s Gambit About?

A Gifted Young Woman Rises Through The Male-Dominated World Of Competitive Chess

The Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit centers on Beth Harmon, a young orphan who shows incredible skill at chess. While living in a Kentucky orphanage, she’s taught the game by Mr. Shaibel, the school’s janitor, and quickly proves to be a gifted strategist. Chess soon takes over Beth’s life, becoming her main focus and passion.

I was completely hooked by The Queen’s Gambit as it follows Beth’s journey from a quiet newcomer to a chess prodigy dominating the competitive tournament scene. The show does a fantastic job of introducing us to her rivals – Harry Beltik, the intense Benny Watts, and the formidable Borgov – each one pushing her to become a better player. But it’s not just about the chess; the series beautifully weaves in Beth’s personal battles with addiction and loneliness, making her a truly complex and captivating character. It’s a really layered story that kept me invested in her journey every step of the way.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of The Queen’s Gambit is how it turns chess into a thrilling and emotionally engaging experience. The matches aren’t just shown – they’re filmed with a cinematic style, using close-ups, lighting, and music to build tension and excitement. The show goes beyond simply displaying the moves; it delves into the mental battle of the game, letting the audience understand Beth’s thinking and feel both her triumphs and defeats.

Beyond the exciting chess tournaments, The Queen’s Gambit delves into deeper issues like sexism, the drive to succeed, and the sacrifices that often come with exceptional talent. The series shows Beth overcoming challenges in a world dominated by men, and her connections with characters like Alma Wheatley and Jolene add heart to the story. This combination creates a drama that’s both personal and grand in scope, making chess surprisingly captivating for viewers.

The Queen’s Gambit Is One Of Netflix’s Best Miniseries

A Stylish, Award-Winning Drama Elevated By Anya Taylor-Joy’s Standout Performance

Few Netflix shows have been as critically acclaimed and popular as The Queen’s Gambit. The limited series was widely praised for its smart writing, realistic historical setting, and incredible detail. It’s a standout even among Netflix’s best limited series, combining personal stories with the excitement of competition.

I was completely captivated by Anya Taylor-Joy in The Queen’s Gambit. She truly became Beth Harmon. What I loved most was how she showed both Beth’s incredible intelligence and her inner struggles. It was such a delicate balance – she was powerful and in control, but also clearly hurting. That complexity, brought to life by Anya Taylor-Joy, is what kept me hooked from beginning to end. She’s just phenomenal!

The show has received widespread praise, evidenced by its high 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and numerous awards. It earned eleven Primetime Emmy Awards, including one for Outstanding Limited Series, and won Golden Globes for Best Limited Series and Best Actress, recognizing Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance. These achievements make it one of Netflix’s most highly regarded shows.

Compared to other shows on Netflix, The Queen’s Gambit stands out because it’s beautifully made and easy to enjoy, even though it’s about a very specific topic – chess. It tells a compelling story with themes everyone can relate to, all while maintaining a smart and polished feel. This blend of artistic quality and entertainment makes it one of Netflix’s best limited series.

Why The Queen’s Gambit Is Perfect For A Weekend Binge

A Tightly Structured Seven-Episode Story With A Powerful And Satisfying Conclusion

At just seven episodes, The Queen’s Gambit is perfectly suited for watching in a single weekend. Each episode advances the story without any wasted scenes, letting Beth’s development feel both intentional and captivating. Because it’s a limited series, the story has a well-defined beginning, middle, and end.

This Netflix miniseries is perfectly paced for a weekend binge, yet it still feels complete and meaningful. Each episode cleverly leads to the final match between Beth and her rival, the Soviet chess champion, making the outcome satisfying and well-deserved. The ending wraps things up nicely and emphasizes the series’ messages about personal growth and never giving up.

In addition to being a quick watch, The Queen’s Gambit is beautifully made, which makes it really engaging. The show’s attention to detail in recreating the 1960s, combined with its stunning visuals, gives it a high-quality feel. It’s more like a long movie broken into seven parts than a typical TV series.

If you’re a Netflix user looking for a compelling and emotionally rich drama you can finish in a weekend, The Queen’s Gambit is still a fantastic option. It’s a beautifully made, intense, and moving story that continues to be highly recommended, even years after its release.

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2026-01-18 17:49