Recently Watched: The Queen’s Gambit

*I’ve tried to write this in a way that doesn’t give away the story, but this post may contain some small spoilers.

With its stunning visuals and an intriguing story, The Queen’s Gambit is one of my favourite recent discoveries. A coming-of-age story without any of the usual clichés, The Queen’s Gambit tells the story of Beth Harmon, a young orphan who possesses an exceptional aptitude for chess. But genius is often marred with troubles, of which Beth has a few.

As well as being a captivating and engaging story, it was a feast for the eyes. The cinematography was beautiful, with each shot so carefully considered; the symmetry, the lighting, the shadows. As well as creating stunning visuals, it all worked together seamlessly to create atmosphere throughout. But if the cinematography is the bare bones, the details within the frame (the colours, fashion, sets and decor) are the flesh, loading the narrative with deeper meaning.

Fashion is used to draw parallels between Beth and her current circumstances, and how she is feeling. As she climbs up the ranks in the chess world, her sartorial choices become more structured and confident, mirroring the rigour and self-assuredness she exudes from within. Even the chess board, with its symmetry and structure, seemed to provide Beth with some comfort – perhaps in contrast with the chaos she had previously lived in, witnessing her mother’s mental breakdown and the last memories she has with her. During Beth’s darker moments and times of discontentment, there appears to be a filter, washing out the previously rich, vibrant colours and creating a pale cast.

The decor in Beth’s adoptive home added further interest. The wild clashing of patterns create a cluttered, chaotic feel that almost borders on claustrophobic. This is appropriate; the atmosphere in her new home after being adopted is an unusual one, with her adoptive father being cold and dismissive of both Beth and his wife, Alma. Alma was a gentle – albeit troubled – soul, and I feel the chaotic decor was an external representation of her internal struggles/turmoil.

All in all, The Queen’s Gambit was something a little different, and a delight to watch from start to finish. Have you watched it? What did you think? x