I cannot praise this show enough. Every single thing is so on point, from the cinematography to the storytelling, the score and the wardrobe.
The show revolves around Beth Harmon, and her journey to becoming the Chess Master - the best Chess Player in the world, all the while struggling with her inner demons and battling addiction due to her traumatic childhood experiences.
Somehow the simplicity of chess is captured so effectively, all while showing Beth Harmon and her character development. Chess is shown like it is, logical and a cut-throat game. There's no unecessary dramatization or prettification of the game. which is the case with so many movies, especially when the main lead is a woman.
The show also shows how a prodigy or an exceptionally intelligent person does not necessarily have to be an outcast, (I'm looking at you, Matilda). She's not socially inept or unecessarily rude to those around her. She's human and normal.
Another great aspect of the show is that there's no glorification of her skill. While no doubt, Beth Harmon is talented and better at chess than the average person, she does not have it the easy way. She has to work extensive hours, studty multiple matches. She's not simply born with it. It's like seeing realistic prodigies, like she could be around you.
One of the BEST parts of this show is the way that none of Harmon's romantic interests derail the show. Their importance isn't undermined in any way whatsoever, but they're far from being a main role in her life. What's even more refreshing is that her relationship with her family, in specific, her mother has FAR more importance than these frivolous non-platonic ones.
It's also the best way of showing female empowerment. There's no Us vs Them concept, the division of the two types of females, no aggresive or anti-men sentiments, it's simply about being a strong independent woman.
Anya Taylor's done a spectacular job on her role, just adding to the greatness of this show. And I, for one, cannot WAIT for the next season.
Being a chess enthusiast, I was looking forward to watching this show. From the storyline to the acting and cinematography, everything is perfect. The most significant aspect of this show is that it does not portray the female lead character in binaries such as good or bad. Instead, Beth is shown as a complex character. The way this show tells the story of Beth challenges the usual portrayal of women in media. Her story involves tragedy, pain, intelligence, success, failure, and growth. Many themes that are used in this series were also used in other chess related media products. For instance, pawn sacrifice is a movie about the life of a chess great grandmaster "Bobby Fischer" who also battled wit…
Loved your take on the show. I agree this show is truly phenomenal and my most favorite part was how she finally discovered how chess isn't always about winning which made her realize a greater lesson that sometimes losing in life is and ok and taking a break is completely normal. The fact that she was able to grow up to be such a mature individual and strong woman despite her tough childhood and addiction issues was really interesting to watch.
Loved the show, binged it as soon as it came out. However, I do mind the portrayal of her "rock-bottom" which I felt was too sexualized and sanitized. Other than that, loved it!
just finished this yesterday, absolutely loved the way they showed her journey and growth. can’t wait for the next season!!
Omg thank you for writing that even prodigies need to work hard!! What an insightful look into this unique show!