I watched this dramatic short film on-line. It stars Alia Shawkat of Arrested Development fame as a young girl who aspires to be the best chess player in the country. She plays against her friend, but on the morning of the tournament is beaten by him. She expresses surprise and wonders how it happened. During the tournament itself she defeats everyone and finds her last game is with her friend. And he wins.
Queen of Cactus Cove is really about defeat. This is the overall theme, and while I imagine someone who likes chess might appreciate this film on another level, the theme is universal enough that I still enjoyed it. Helping me out a little were the subtitles translating the chess moves and facial expressions to English with a humorous and charming effect. Shawkat's good; at first I thought her performance at the beginning was off but on rewatching the beginning, I decided she was fine. And she portrays defeat effectively. The other performers are good too.
Queen of Cactus Cove is really about defeat. This is the overall theme, and while I imagine someone who likes chess might appreciate this film on another level, the theme is universal enough that I still enjoyed it. Helping me out a little were the subtitles translating the chess moves and facial expressions to English with a humorous and charming effect. Shawkat's good; at first I thought her performance at the beginning was off but on rewatching the beginning, I decided she was fine. And she portrays defeat effectively. The other performers are good too.
