This is what to watch on Netflix.
You’ve likely heard the well-deserved hype surrounding the Netflix original, The Queen’s Gambit. If you’re still wondering if you should watch, the answer is YES. If it’s somewhere on your What to Watch List, move it up! The captivating mini-series was hard to stop. This fictional story of an orphaned, extremely awkward redhead turned chess prodigy is fascinating on multiple levels. It runs the gamut, covering everything from coming of age to feminism to addiction. SPOILER ALERT! Stop here if you have not watched it yet. Hopefully, this is enough for you to want to watch and come back. For all who couldn’t wait to watch, please carry on!
The best player in the world is also a fashionista.
Set in the ’50s and ’60s, the fashion is on point. We get to see Beth Harmon, the heroine, come into her own as a woman and a fierce competitor forced to use her wit and intellect to become the best player in the world. She deliberately glams it up as she crushes it in the male-dominated world of chess. Harmon is determined to prove that she dominates because she is a woman, not despite being a woman. And this is fun to watch.
Escape to the intriguing world of competitive chess.
Harmon gives us an unlikely character to cheer for in these bizarre times. As we are catapulted into the intriguing world of professional chess, The Queen’s Gambit provides a trippy escape from all the craziness of life. Struggling with abandonment, great loss, and newfound genius, Beth craves an escape as well.
Her relationship with drugs and alcohol starts early when she goes to live at the orphanage. All the girls are given a green pill and a red pill every day. We never learn what the red pills are, but Beth really likes the green one known as “Xanzolam.” Later referred to as Librium when purchased in Mexico, we learn it is considered a “tranquility pill.” Although it is clear that she becomes addicted at an early age, these pills seem to do more good than bad until they don’t. Most of us alcoholics can relate.
Detrimental downward spirals
The pills cause hallucinations, which let Beth see chess pieces moving across the ceiling. This gives her valuable insight into the game. She attributes her success to this ability and, therefore, becomes both mentally and physically dependent on those little green pills. Her talent allows Beth to jet-set across the world, playing in international tournaments on her way to meet the very best – the Soviets. Still, in her teens, there are many firsts along the way. Throw in a few all-night parties, a couple of one-night stands, multiple martinis and you’ve got yourself a pretty nasty downward spiral in the making.
It starts to come crashing down when Beth finds her stepmom deceased in Mexico. Now, completely on her own again and not yet 20, she must find a way to carry on in a world she knows little about. She withdraws into booze and benzo-filled fingers, causing her to show up late and hung over to really important matches, including her first with the Soviet world champion. At one point, it’s looking pretty bleak for Harmon, and we’re not sure if her addiction is what will take her out.
Giving up the little green pills
It’s an all too familiar place. The idea is that we need substances to succeed. The thought is that it is only with substances that we can maximize our talents. The fear is that without substances, we will only be ordinary. All lies. However, alcoholics are skilled manipulators with PhDs in denial. I found myself wondering if someone like Beth, who has such an extraordinary mind, may actually need the drugs and alcohol to quiet her mind so it wouldn’t turn on her. Nothing about this idea is true. The truth is that no one needs to abuse substances for any reason ever. Beth proves this in the end. Despite all her challenges, she finds the strength to persevere. We finally get the “stand up and cheer” moments as she dumps her green tranquility pills in the toilet and beats the Soviets without them.
While I have no desire to enter the world of competitive chess, The Queen’s Gambit was such a brilliant and inspiring ride that I now want to learn to play. It seems like a pretty productive way to fill the time.
The Mindful Binge Sobees Score: 4.5 out of 5
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
