More than just a series about chess

The title of this series refers to one of the oldest chess openings you can use to start a chess game and The Queen’s Gambit itself is based on Walter Tevis’s 1983 novel with the same name. Chess is the main ingredient of The Queen’s Gambit, but that doesn’t mean the series only focusses on the game. There’s also a lot of focus on each character’s emotional arc, going after your passion, defining the odds, human relationships, etc. Even if you’re not into chess, you will connect with the characters because of these topics.

Anya Taylor-Joy as the stunning female lead

She already shone in movies such as Thoroughbreds and Split, but The Queen’s Gambit was the most impressive performance from Anya Taylor-Joy without a doubt. She portrays Beth with such flair, dignity and emotional depth and she takes this series to an entirely new level. During the chess games, she oozes cleverness, wittiness, and when she talks to her opponents, it becomes even better. Taylor-Joy is being surrounded by a superb supporting cast. First, there’s Isla Johnston as the young Beth. Her performance involves a lot of innocence, intelligence and sweetness, and she’s just a thrill to watch. Can’t wait to see Johnston in her upcoming short movie Unmourned and television series Ray James.

Another strong performance comes from Marielle Heller as Alma Wheatley, the woman who takes orphan Beth under her wings. Heller’s performance is hugely diverse. At first, she makes you feel uneasy about Wheatley, especially because you get the feeling that Wheatley’s intentions aren’t honest and sincere, but thanks to Heller her warm and emotional performance, you open up to Wheatley more and more throughout the series.

The male cast you know from somewhere else (but just can’t put your finger on from where)

There are also amazing performances by the male cast of The Queen’s Gambit. Thomas Brodie-Sangster (who hasn’t change a lot since his days in Love Actually) also gives a two folded performance. In the beginning, as the harsh, distant and relentless Chess champion Benny Watts but when the story of Benny continues, and more scenes involve Brodie-Sangster and Taylor-Joy, his performance becomes much more likeable, open and heart-warming.

There’s also Harry Melling (yes, Dudley Dursley from Harry Potter) as the state champion and Beth’s friends Harry Beltik and Melling certainly know how to portray both the competitive spirit as well as the poignant side of Beltik. Last but not least, there’s also Bill Camp as Mr. Shaibel, the withdrawn but caring custodian at the Methuen Home for Girls and Beth’s chess teacher. Camp brings much sweetness and emotions and the scenes between him, and the young Johnston are just so joyful.

The magical combination of stunning cinematography and astonishing editing

The excellent performances will draw you to the screen but the extraordinary cinematography from Steven Meizler and the impressive editing by Michelle Tesoro take this series to a whole new level. There are the many long takes used that show the audience the powerful and confident appearance of Beth. Think about Taylor-Joy entrance and walk through the Vegas hotel and Mexico City hotel. The most emotional and impressive long-shot is, without a doubt, the one right at the end of the series. The way Taylor-Joy walks amongst the other chess players while being filmed with a handheld camera brings so many emotions.

However, while the long shots are awe-inspiring, the most extraordinary scenes are certainly close up ones during the chess games. You can feel the tension, the pugnacity and the hunger for a victory from every player in a way and not only because of Meizler’s cinematography. No, also the editing of Tesoro’s heightens those emotions. The fewer chess pieces are on the board, and the higher the stakes become, the faster the editing becomes, and the more excited the audience feels! We’re pretty sure that you will get that thrilling feeling instantly when watching The Queen’s Gambit!

What’s next for The Queen’s Gambit?

So far there are no plans for a second series, but there’s “Creating: The Queen’s Gambit”, a documentary that gives you more insights into the making of this spectacular series. Watch it now and don’t forget to practice your chess moves, might come in handy at some point.

Also Read: It’s time To Talk About Marielle Heller

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The post Why You Need To Watch The Queen’s Gambit Right Now appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Today we’re looking through 8 exciting upcoming horror releases that will (hopefully) release this year. We will give a brief synopsis of what we know about these films. And explain why you should be excited to see them.

1. In the Earth (30th January – Sundance Film Festival)

Ben Wheatley’s latest film focuses on a scientist and a park scout going on an equipment run after a virus infects the world (topical). Wheatley’s projects are always fascinating thanks to his ability to get great performances from his actors and effectively build atmosphere. In the Earth also sees Wheatley round up prior collaborators, including Reece Shearsmith (A Field in England), Hayley Squires, and Mark Monero (Happy New Year, Colin Burstead). Let’s hope this is another winner.

2. The Blazing World (31^st January – Sundance Film Festival)

Carlson Young’s debut feature is about a woman drawn into a surreal world where her sister is still alive. This movie deserves more attention from the trailer alone. The candy-coloured lighting juxtaposes brilliantly against a foreboding soundtrack and frightening images. Like a smiling man in black, and a worried girl amongst her smiling friends. The Blazing World looks like David Lynch meets Suspiria (1977). What a nightmarish treat.

3. Prisoners of the Ghostland (1^st February – Sundance Film Festival)

From cult director Sion Sono (Suicide Club and Love Exposure) this action, horror, thriller follows a notorious criminal (Nicolas Cage) who must break an evil curse to recover a missing girl. While the story sounds generic the pairing of Cage’s and Sono’s odd talents could lead to another Cage cult horror hit like Mandy and Colour Out of Space. With production stills showing Nic Cage’s quintessential mania, Prisoners of the Ghostland looks like a fun time.  

4. Morbius (19^th March)

This MCU adjacent Sony movie focuses on Morbius, the living vampire. Jared Leto plays brilliant biochemist Michael Morbius whose experiments to cure himself of a disease result in him developing abilities such as super strength, echolocation, and gaining a thirst for human blood. With a horror-inspired aesthetic Morbius looks like a welcome attempt to try something different from other MCU films. Let’s hope this horror comic book film lands better than New Mutants.

5. Last Night in Soho (23^rd April)

When a young woman obsessed with 1960s fashion travels back in time and meets her idol things take a dark turn as time begins falling apart. Last Night in Soho comes to us from Edgar Wright. Wright”s track record alone should entice anyone to see this movie. And with a cast that includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Terence Stamp, Rita Tushingham, and the late Diana Rigg, Last Night in Soho should be on everyone’s radar.

6. The Green Knight (30^th July)

Whenever A24 releases a new horror film the horror community takes notice. Starring Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, David Lowery’s latest project reimagines the classic folktale with a decidedly darker edge. The trailer should excite any horror fan. Full of creeping camerawork, unnerving music, and nightmarish fantasy creatures, The Green Knight looks set to please fans of the niche studio.

7. Candyman (2021) (27^th August)

With Tony Todd returning as the iconic villain, Jordan Peele (Get Out and Us) contributing to the screenplay and producing the film, which will be a spiritual sequel rather than a remake of the classic film, and promising new director Nia DaCosta helming the project all of this adds up to a film that looks to be respecting the legacy of the original Candyman while offering something that looks fresh and new.

8. Malignant (2021 TBA)

Finally, little is known about this project, but it’s a reportedly original idea from horror master James Wan. Who birthed great modern horror films like Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring movies. And honestly, that pedigree is all you should need to be excited.

There you have 8 upcoming horror releases you should watch (if possible) this year. Are there any future horror releases you’re anticipating? Please let us know.

Also Read: The Best Horror Films of the Decade

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post A Horror Fans Film Guide To 2021 appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.