Having quickly watched through this compelling limited series, I believe I’ve found a new favorite Netflix production. The lead actress, Anya Taylor-Joy, seems to be gaining popularity as well, and she delivers an impressive performance as Beth Harmon, a remarkably intelligent young woman who plays chess while battling substance abuse and emotional challenges that hinder her relationships and prevent her from fully mastering the game. She’s appealing, but also possesses a cool demeanor and calculating nature, being reserved yet enjoyable when she chooses to be, and strikingly beautiful and captivating in this large-scale period piece. The supporting actors all do their parts effectively; I didn't recognize many of the faces, but several will stick with me for some time. Benny Watts, an unusual New Yorker reminiscent of a cowboy (played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster), and Vasily Borgov, the imposing Soviet world chess champion portrayed by Marcin Dorociński, were particularly memorable highlights—both are essential to what makes the show work and contribute significantly to its most powerful emotional moments toward the end. Even though chess is played on a small board with complexities that likely go over many viewers' heads, skillful editing in terms of pacing and commentary has transformed it into an exciting spectacle, even for those unfamiliar with the game. When Taylor-Joy’s Beth faces off against Borgov during their matches, I felt as if I were watching the NBA Finals or the Super Bowl. The show excels at building anticipation for the final contests by establishing the emotional stakes and showcasing the countless hours of hard work, all the errors, all the unexpected turns—presented at precisely the right moments to emphasize them. It genuinely makes you want to learn more about this intricate game. Finally, I’d like to mention the setting, not just the beautiful recreation of the mid-century period but also the variety of locations featured throughout. Although the show begins in a small Kentucky town, it quickly expands as Beth progresses from regional tournaments to international competitions, creating a strong sense of advancement as the hotels and restaurants become more luxurious and the characters encounter new situations. With the exception of the scenes set in the USSR, which I thought were handled perfectly, perhaps they could have explored these locations even further. However, I still believe that each one effectively shapes its respective episode and is exciting to witness. This focus on traveling around the world is well-balanced with Beth’s time at home in Kentucky, keeping the series dynamic. I hope a lot more people check out this wonderful show; it's currently number one on Netflix, so it seems likely they will. I think the miniseries format really benefits it—it conveys exactly what it needs to without risking a frustrating unresolved ending and without overstaying its welcome. I’m eager to see what these individuals create next!

Source on TMDB