This will be the first review I ever write, and what compels me to do so is the fact that I am both, a performance arts as well as a chess enthusiast. Being a critic of the finest details, it must take something entirely else in a series for me to do this, and what follows may be treated as an objective idea on what this show has to offer.
This show, while concise, is both compelling in its theme and is at the same time a directional masterpiece. It takes something that is generally perceived as boring, chess, and with its brilliant pacing and terminologies understandable by everyone, along with nicks of cinematography, delivers a piece that is enjoyable by both who take interest in watching shows/movies as well as the classic game. The very well paced show, with its perfect runtime is neither too long nor too short, while not being too little or a little too detailed.
While yes, some may argue that in some ways the lack of describing precise terminologies and explanations of chess ideas may seem a little less convincing of if the show knows what it's doing, it does so to maintain its rhythm, and in that does a fantastically fine job. And here is where the show really stands out. It balances the concepts of chess that could be considered too theoretical for theatrics, with its highly refined scriptwriting and directional melodrama, giving it both a technical and an emotional edge which Anya Taylor has consistently held herself up to and delivered. Other noteworthy actors being Thomas Brodie and Harry Melling, giving very precise emotional aspect to the story with their own kicks as different modes of roles. Marcin Dorociński has also done an amazing job by maintaining an intensity by just his looks and not to mention, such a limited screentime.
The series' adaption of the novel being done with close following, its consistent storytelling, lack of digression from the theme, a well tied plot without any loose ends, emotional bonding with its characters, character development, all of it, as well as things mentioned above together come in a very well balanced series that to the first sight may seem difficult to think can be a marvelous show. But so, after watching, quite contrary to it, delivers an impactful blow onto the watchers with its intense but not at all overdone plot, as any great work of art should! To sum it up, it is something one must try to realise how great it is. And it very much is, to say the least!
