Netflix has released the first look of The Queen’s Gambit, an adaptation of the American Novel of the same name, by Walter Tevis. The story follows a young chess prodigy Beth Harmon (portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy) on her quest to become a Grandmaster.
The short, barely half-a-minute teaser trailer has only three words spoken throughout which are ‘Start your clock’, mentioned at its very beginning. What follows is a montage of shots of Beth, varying from the ages of 8 to 22 accompanied by a quick paced score which has the sound of a chess clock running down time as it’s core beat. The fast paced shots doesn’t neccesarily show any fast paced action, but the pace of the shots coupled with the quick beat creates a heart-racing effect on the viewer.
Set in 1983, the six episode mini-series follows the eight year old orphan Beth, who is sullen, withdrawn and completely unremarkable, until she discovers chess. As she plays the game, she becomes sharper and starts thinking more clearly. Gradually as she grows older and beats more and more opponents, she becomes more isolated and starts resorting to fight her depression through pills and alcohol. Her addiction is shown in the montage of shots, as she struggles to prepare herself to become a Grandmaster.
Scott Frank and Allan Scott developed the drama web series from the novel with Scott Frank directing the project. Moses Ingram, Bill Camp, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Marielle Heller, Harry Melling and Rebecca Root stars in this mini series in prominent roles.
The drama series The Queen’s Gambit will premier on Netflix on October 23rd. The trailer is available for viewing below.
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.