The Queen's Gambit (TV Mini Series) Openings (2020) User Reviews

Pleasantly & enjoyably intense

[bmiller59 · 9/10 · 26 November 2020]

We aren't subscribed to NETFLIX, but The Queens Gambit could entice me to signing on for a month just in case we don't finish it while visiting here.

What a great story, so well defined. The casting is perfect. Beth seems perfect in this part yet we know nothing about her, and as the layers are peeled back she blossoms.

Cannot wait to see where this goes and how.

Great show.

Wooooah, what a pilot!!

[grotsky_af · 9/10 · 14 November 2020]

Was so shocked by this episode. I'm a big Anya Taylor-Joy fan, and had mostly tuned in to see her work, so I was (pleasantly) taken aback by this episode's focus on the younger version of the character, who's played by a different young actress. She was great! And what a great way to get everyone to focus on the character rather than the production value (which is also excellent). Also, the quietly radical diversity of the cast in this episode is a breath of fresh air for anyone who loves period pieces as much as I do. And the drugged-out ceiling chess!! Yaassss!

I must say i was suprised

[EvelynBuijs · 9/10 · 1 December 2020]

When my parents told me "oh boi let's watch a show about chess, I thought of a mediocre show with bad acting and awful music. But wow was I blown away. This is one hell of a pilot, taking everything into account. It beautifully sets up the story and concept and brilliantly plays with the problem that is drugs. I would've honestly rated this Pilot a 10/10 if it wasn't for that one scene where Beth and that black girl talked about "ppsucking" and for the slow pacing at some points.

But man the music.

overall a solid 9/10, got me hyped up for the rest of the series

Perfect

[mostlyharmless-30728 · 10/10 · 27 October 2020]

This is one of the most immersive things I have seen on Netflix. I can honestly say that there was not a single complaint I had after finishing this episode, and I was left with an overwhelmingly powerful feeling of satisfaction after finishing. The acting, the music, and the pacing were all entirely on point. It may not be for everyone, but to anyone who has even the slightest appreciation for chess, I would honestly be surprised if you didn't enjoy this.

Riveting, emotionally satisfying

[seunltd · 10/10 · 28 October 2020]

The Queen's Gambit is a stunner!. It's a compelling, emotionally satisfying story that unfolds beautifully, with finely-etched characters, riveting intensity and suspense, authentically-researched sets and costumes, perfectly-selected period songs that contribute to the moods and textures of each episode, and fine cinematography. Hooks you from the beginning. I watched all seven episodes in two evenings . . . and I don't even know or play chess!

She played the Réti opening

[pierresempere · 10/10 · 28 October 2020]

Aside from playing my favorite opening move, I'm so bloody happy to see a tv show on chess that respects the game. Of course chess is just a part of the personality of Beth which seems incredibly complex, well thought and developed. I liked the balance chess/character focus and hope it stays that way in future episodes.

And if this series can say "I'm a girl, I wanna play chess and f you" , that's even better as the game is wrongly dominated by men

Finally, QUALITY again!

[linn-12356 · 10/10 · 24 October 2020]

After all the garbage Netflix has produced over the last few months, I was already pessimistic. But I was wrong this time, so wrong! What I have seen here is terrific! Wonderful actors, great music, great camera work, a suitable set and an emotional and well written story.

I need more series of this kind! Thanks, Netflix.

Compelling Opening

[Crimson_Cygnet · 10 November 2020]

I was uncertain about viewing this series, but after this opening episode I was compelled to watch it. This is not a series that develops slowly, and from the beginning it is evident what kind of character the protagonist, Elizabeth, has. This series really captured my attention and I'm glad that I gave it a shot.

If you are also uncertain about viewing this series, I implore you to at least watch this episode as it really sets the tone and some running themes for the subsequent episodes.

If you are deciding to watch the series after already having read the book, all I have to say is that the series is toned down in comparison, but holds true to the plot points and only deviates on occasion.

One of the best pilot episodes I've seen

[pachys · 10/10 · 4 November 2020]

Wow... this episode did not fail at all in gripping me into the show. The story is just so interesting and the feel of the episode was so intimate and I was able to connect with the main character Beth. The writing and directing was superb and the pacing is perfect, keeping you interested all throughout.

Unique story, fantastic acting

[verberkmoes-44910 · 10/10 · 20 November 2020]

A very original story, extremely exciting. beautiful decor and setting. sublime in every detail. deep bow to all the actors

A Decent Opening

[kinglear009 · 6/10 · 26 January 2021]

There's something about the Queen's Gambit, and how it's mild period elements tie into the romantic tradition of Chess that makes me want to parse all my thoughts on it into chess terms. I'll limit that to the titles.

There's a lot to like here. This episode is doing a lot of heavy lifting and so the plot unsurprisingly feels mechanical. Beth's growing addiction to lucid-dream tranquilisers, and the steady drumbeat of her chess improvements, march to the beat of the script. We feel the push of the narrative, rather than an irresistible pull. When Beth finally steals the pills and collapses before everyone in this grand crescendo, the moment feels unearned. I'd actually be a lot more impressed if it turns out the pills aren't the source of her chess abilities, and she simply believes they are. Some emotional subtlety persists, though - like the mother's final words: "close your eyes" or her father's faulting attempts to reconcile with Beth's mother.

I'm impressed by the characters. The headmistress, Mrs. Deardorff, is stern rather than tyrannical. Jolene does impressive work, and while she is young and at times wooden, young Beth is inscrutable in a way that is very hard to pull off. Bill Camp was the standout. He has this firm and compassionate mentorship that reminded me of those hulking blacksmiths from fantasy novels who secretly tend to a hearth of kindness.

The dreary 'flashback' colours are maybe overdone, but it's a well handled camera so far. The score is appropriately present and adds to the emotion of Beth's ascent. Onwards we go!

Magnetic

[fabioturri-16081 · 10/10 · 22 November 2020]

Episode 1 is simply magnetic. From second 1 till the end.

Off to A Great "Start"

[Oktay_Tuna · 7/10 · 2 November 2020]

This episode is a start for many things. This is the start of the series, this is the start for the chess(like in the title: Openings) and a start for Beth's addictions. The young actress portrays her character fabulously and the rest of the cast are pretty good. The main themes of the show started to appear(gender stereotypes in chess and in general) The show captures the beauty of chess fabulously(both in playing simultaneously and playing from mind) Apart from it being a little slow in general, my only big complain is how it used chess overall. The main focus of the chess parts aren't how complex the position but rather as a part of the "show". What I mean by show is we are more focused on how players move the pieces rather than where in the position they move it. From my experience, a slow start hurts the first episode but enriches the rest therefore I am very excited to watch the rest of the show.

Pfffffffft

[TheCorniestLemur · 5/10 · 14 February 2021]

I'll keep watching it, but for now I just don't get what makes this series so great. I'm very willing to accept that it's mainly because of Anya Taylor-Joy, who is barely in this episode, so that would make sense, but for this episode, ughhhhhhhh. When you think of a backstory for a character, this the first thing you'd scribble out in about an hour before going back and making it actually interesting.

I'm not trying to be mean by saying that, but I really can't remember the last time I saw something so cliche. If you know the premise of this show - chess prodigy struggling with substance abuse - then this has absolutely nothing that might come as a surprise to you.

It was directed and shot fairly well, and the production design does sell the time period well, but the other thing that made it so boring for me is that the lead actress here is...well, boring. Not really bad I guess, but she doesn't exactly have anything notable going for her either, and it's not like anyone else is focused on enough to be interesting either.

And also, I've never done hallucinogenics, but I'm pretty certain you will not hallucinate the same thing time after time if you're addicted to them. That was bloody ridiculous.

Good start

[iamangelcortes · 15 November 2020]

It seemed very risky to dedicate an entire chapter to the childhood of the protagonist in the orphanage, but in general it was good in chapter. I finished it in just one day

The best polit I've seen in some while!

[ashishhsunny · 10/10 · 9 November 2020]

The child actor who played Elizabeth was brilliant. It was surprisingly funny and intense at the same time. Overall a great start, now I cant help but to watch the next episode. I cant vouch for the entire season just yet, but looking at the imdb ratings for the other episodes, looks like its only gonna get better!

Great Mini series

[pmerrifield-17013 · 10/10 · 25 December 2020]

As I write this review, I am in the middle of watching this mini series for the fifth time. A great and inspiring film and makes me wish I learnt chess at a young age.

Perfect starting

[yassenwalid-25727 · 10/10 · 28 November 2020]

Perfect starting for that tv series l think that series will be good

Unbelievable

[gaskinsmaalik · 10/10 · 10 December 2020]

I've sworn to never rate a picture with 10 stars. But this is different. This is how every great movie should be like. Have you ever had the feeling of wondering how the character of a film went on with its life, after it ended? Why you can't know more about what happened next? This is the example of knowing what happened next. Introducing us to every character in the series and then introducing them back, one by one. This deserves more than 10 stars. My mind is blown.

A breeze of fresh air for the industry

[gelmcchristop · 8/10 · 1 January 2021]

A surprisingly innovative experience. Hectic, original directing and editing accompanied by wild cinematography and an on-point use of lighting ratios kept me engaged throughout the episode, despite the fact that the plot itself doesn't appeal entirely to my taste. Visual effects and acting were solid, though i do expect more of the latter in the rest of the season. Worth the watch.

Superb opening

[851222 · 10/10 · 28 May 2021]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"The Queen's Gambit" first episode called "Openings" was arguably the best series opener i've seen in some time. Very good acting, superbly involving writing, settings and the story - its all there. And despite its setting, this episode just felt like a good old school cinema, were dialogs, acting, directing and story are at the center. Overall, i really enjoyed first episode and i will definitely try watching next ones. Superb opening episode.

Great performances and a moving drama.

[cruise01 · 6/10 · 24 October 2020]

3 out of 5 stars.

So far great acting with the cast performances. About an orphaned girl. Learning to play chess. Well moving drama that shows her getting the attention of a high school chess club. It is a slow direction and kind of dull. But interesting.

Openings , S1 EP1 review

[mohammedadallawati · 9/10 · 27 February 2023]

Soundtrack : (9.6/10) Dialogue : (9.2/10) Story : (9.3/10) Cinematography : (9/10) Character development : (9.5/10) Conflict : (8.8/10) Excitement : (8.7/10) Reasonableness : (9.5/10) Overall : (9.2/10)

Pros :

• a stunning backstory to an interesting Character.

• everything about the designs is great and really resembles the time in which the story is in.

• the soundtracks are absolutely wonderful throughout the episode.

• supporting characters are well written.

Cons:

• some things about Beth isn't really logical of sorts, like how she new the whole game from just watching for few minutes.

• some scenes are bit slower in pace.

It does a lot of stuff right and a lot wrong!

[garabedian123 · 7/10 · 15 January 2021]

The opening is worthless. Why bother showing 12 seconds of the future just to flash back? It makes no sense. Start the story where its supposed to - Morty.

THen we flash back within a flashback and then i think we get another flashback.

Why are there so many useless scenes that do not help the story in any way shape or form?

Other than those few things the show was really good.

Unlikeable

[theddbaggett · 1/10 · 10 November 2020]

A friend talked us into watching this, bad idea. The main character is unlikeable and disinteresting. The plot is painfully slow. I don't continue watching a show if I'm 30 minutes in and don't care about the characters, but my wife wanted to see the episode through to the end, at least it was consistent. Don't waste your time.