The Queen's Gambit Review - 8 Ups & 1 Down

5. It Makes You Interested In Chess

The initial reaction from people who have just heard the hype surrounding The Queen’s Gambit usually responds with confusion. What, a TV show about Chess is really that good?

But, this is actually one of the really remarkable things about the series: it is able to make the game of Chess utterly captivating and riveting.

One of the reasons for this success is how the Chess sequences are always extremely exciting. They are executed with a real gusto and directed, edited and choreographed just like action sequences.

The series suddenly makes you feel like Chess is a game full of stakes and consequences, and these sequences will either leave you on the edge of your seat or jumping for joy.

Yes, The Queen’s Gambit isn’t really about Chess (it’s about the people playing it), but getting these sequences right are crucial to the series’ success, as we become extremely invested in the characters and their struggles.