Via Netflix

If you have a Netflix account, you would have noticed that The Queen's Gambit has been trending really high on the streaming site's Top 10 list. And even if you don't follow Netflix, you would have likely already have heard of the series because of all those people gushing about the show on social media.

It's easy to be skeptical and assume that the show's creators are just generating buzz about The Queen's Gambit especially when the reviews are coming from the media. But when people you know are singing praises for it, then you have to wonder if it's really worth all that attention (spoiler: it does!).

But it's easy to identify several amazing details about this show that make it easy to see that this isn't just another hype train. There are many facets that fit seamlessly together to produce a truly binge-worthy experience.

1 - Scott Frank and Allan Scott adapted the series from the book

Via Netflix

The Queen's Gambit TV show is based on the book, also with the same title, written by Walter Tevis in 1983. Before talks of it being adapted for TV, there were actually plans to turn it into a movie. In fact, Heath Ledger was supposed to direct the movie but unfortunately, the actor died in 2008.

2 - All the episodes were directed by Scott Frank

Via anyataylorjoy / Instagram

Despite it being a TV show, The Queen's Gambit had a movie-like feel to it. That is in no small part due to the directorial prowess of Scott Frank. Frank's directorial work includes big films such as Minority Report and Logan. He was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2018 for the Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special category for the series Godless. While he did lose to Ryan Murphy that time (for American Crime Story: The Man Who Would Be Vogue), it does show that Frank's skill as a director is well-recognized.

3 - Anya Taylor-Joy was amazing

Via A24 and Everett Collection

Although her showbiz career only began in 2014, Taylor-Joy has proven her chops as an actress. People already got a hint of her potential in The Witch (her movie debut). Despite having only a few lines of dialogue, she had a powerful impact on the film. She also starred alongside Hollywood A-listers in Split and Glass and was able to hold her own in those films. Her performance in The Queen's Gambit will only further her promising career.

4 - Anya Taylor-Joy had poise

Via Netflix

Did you notice how poised Taylor-Joy was during her scenes? That's likely because she used to be a model before she got into acting. Sarah Doukas of Storm Model Management scouted Taylor-Joy and signed her up. As a model, Taylor-Joy was soon discovered for show business. However, all of this almost didn't happen because Taylor-Joy initially mistook Doukas for a stalker and even ran away!

5 - The set's attention to detail is extraordinary

Via Netflix

While an excellent film needs good writing and directing in order to make a good story, an excellent set is needed in order to immerse the viewer. It makes the suspension of disbelief much easier. The Queen's Gambit really feels like the 1960s that the story is set in thanks to the efforts of veteran set decorator Ingeborg Heinemann.

6 - Garry Kasparov and Bruce Pandolfini choreographed all the chess moves in the series

Via Netflix

While chess is not the point of the story itself, you still can't ignore the fact that it's an actual sport so all the moves need to be authentic. And who better to act as subject matter consultants than a chess grandmaster and renowned chess author and coach? What results is a gripping story that doesn't detract at all from the authenticity of the sport. Fun fact: Taylor-Joy had to learn the moves of her chess scenes mere minutes before the start of each take. Another indication of how brilliant she is!

7 - The astounding cinematography set the proper mood

Via Netflix

If how the set is built will cement the authenticity, the cinematography helps set the mood for the story. This is where Steven Meizler's skills and experience came in. Through a combination of wide-angle and close-up shots as well as changes in lighting, the viewer is brought through a stunning vista of visuals that help one's immersion into the scenes being shown.

8 - The costumes are beautiful and spot-on

Via Netflix

Part of what makes a set look authentic are the costume choices. This is where costume designer Gabriele Binder came in with her magic. You already saw the period costumes she made in Mad Men and she took it a step further in The Queen's Gambit. Notice how in the end, Beth was wearing all white? It's a perfect symbol for a white chess piece. White moves first and a queen can move any way she likes. Poetic, right?

9 - The whole story is masterfully told with a powerful message

Via Netflix

The whole series details the saga of a talented girl trying to make it big in a male-dominated field and succeeding. While it has a powerful feminist message, unlike most movies and shows with the same feminist theme, The Queen's Gambit approaches the whole thing with balanced character development and story flow without detracting from its underlying message. The result is a compelling story that succeeds in connecting with the viewer.