Le Jeu de la dame

When you've seen everything on Netflix, a you will watch any new show they throw at you. I did not have high expectations. But I was so wrong. So wonderfully and totally wrong. We watched Queen's Gambit, all seven hours of it, in a single sitting. This show is an absolute gem. Remarkable acting by Anya Taylor-Joy who will be a force to be reckoned with, her child counterpart- an absolute marvel. The series is smart, it's inspiring at times, it's sad and heartbreaking at times. Who knew watching game-plays of simulated chess can make your heart pound out of your ears? Truly, a story of determination, friendship, self discovery, struggle and triumph. I don't know about you, but my ceiling will be covered in chess pieces tonight.

I actually didn't really have any plans on actually watching The Queen's Gambit when I first saw the trailer. Then I couldn't stop hearing about how good this show was by just about everyone and saw all the award nominations it's gotten so I figured I'd give it a chance. I'm so glad I did. I never thought a series based around chess would be so entertaining. I couldn't stop watching and ending binging all 7 episodes over one weekend. Anya Taylor Joy deserves every bit of love she's received for her job in this. She's become a really good actress. This show will hook and will have you thinking about chess non stop but you don't need to know anything about chess to enjoy this. It's so much more than a series about chess.

Yes, yes, Anya Taylor-Joy and those eyes. Superb, praise from the rooftops.

But let's also acknowledge that the astonishing Isla Johnston carries the first few episodes with an equally compelling performance, far beyond her years.

The handover from Isla to Anya is almost seamless, which is quite remarkable when we consider the intensity of the character. That an actor of Johston's age could have pulled that off is extraordinary.

Top to bottom, scenic design, wardrobe, direction and casting, this is a top notch production. The acting is seamless and the characters embody their roles perfectly.

One couldn't hope for a more original or more compelling story. As you might expect from the title, Chess plays a central role, and the author's use of the game as an extended metaphor shifts in ways both nuanced and explosive. For any thinking person, this series is sure to delight.

In my opinion, strong characterization always provides the best entertainment. The producers of "The Queen's Gambit" tackle the tough task of creating a compelling story from the inner lives of the characters. Granted, they are working from an excellent novel, but oftentimes, attempts to bring works that center around the mental, rather than the physical journey of the central character fail miserably. In this case, the producers deserve the highest praise. If you like thoughtful stories that expose the inner lives of the characters, don't miss this one.

The show, while generally acceptable for children, contains several adult themes, so parental guidance is recommended.

You'll end up like me, binge watching it until 5 AM (and I don't even know anything about chess). Very well written, directed and acted.