D ax The nudge society needed to revive chess culture > ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ Netflix show review Sonam Kaloti Arts Editor kek KK t was a casual fall day when one of my best friends sent me an iMessage that would change everything. A game of chess via GamePigeon, and with it, plenty of future turmoil. When met with my confused reply, “I don’t even know how to play chess,” this friend went on a long tangent explaining the rules of the game and potential strategies (as well as what the pieces were called, which I definitely would not remember). One thing led to another and suddenly I’m watching the Netflix historic drama miniseries, The Queen's Gambit, directed by Scott Frank. There are spoilers ahead! The star of the show is the lead character Beth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. With just the slightest movements and near-blank facial expressions, Taylor-Joy presents an array of emotion for the audience to fully feel Paul McCartney for the new year how she feels. She carries the weight of the character’s less-than-ideal life situation. It is similar to that of Millie Bobby-Brown’s “Eleven” because with their acting, less is more. Oftentimes the darkest situations see Beth—and only see her. No speech is necessary to watch the days and tragic events unfold and burden the heart- crushing realities that the character faces. Yet, the emotional weight of the show never becomes too much, nor too much of a focal point. The realities are laid bare as just those—tragic realities. The show stays consistent and concise, focused on chess throughout all seven episodes. We watch Beth Harmon grow up from being a child to a worldwide chess champion, though not without her fair share of terrible tragedies, and even bad decisions made on her part. Having lost her mom, and her dad not being in her life, Beth—orphaned and alone—begins to play chess with the orphanage’s janitor in the basement. Quickly becoming an exemplary player, the janitor seeks out a local high school team for Beth to play and compete Have an idea for a story? Marts@theotherpress.ca , fea against to see where she stood in skill. Of course, even as a child, she beat the entire team...while playing everyone at the same time. Thus, Beth would grow to become a huge name in the game. The show employs an inception-like gimmick; while we're already in flashbacks of Beth’s life watching her grow, inside these flashbacks we get further flashbacks detailing accounts of her early childhood and family troubles. From watching her parents’ marriage collapse, her father rejecting the family, to her mother eventually purposefully driving into a collision, Beth suffered too much loss at a very important developmental period of ¢ The legacy of Elvis Presley ¢ ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ Netflix show review ¢ Wonderful Wonder Woman ..and more Illustration by CJ Sommerfeld her life. Though, early clues suggest Beth may have inherited a sharp mind, such as the cover of a book that her mother went to burn in a fire which read that her mother, Alice, had authored the mathematics book and had a Ph.D. Any show that can take a skill, art, or sport and make an audience excited about it is phenomenal, as getting someone excited about something they do not understand is an enormous feat already. The Queen's Gambit does just that. The art of chess seemed absent lately (proven by my own lack of knowledge) so this show came just in time. » The Beatles star presents a musically diverse repertoire with relevant themes for 2021 Jonathan Pabico Senior Columnist wkweK KY aul McCartney’s recent album McCartney LI introduces new tracks that are eclectic with their tones and soundscapes. Some songs from the collection’s first half are surprisingly underwhelming, but it’s around the second half when the playlist really picks up and becomes explosively upbeat. McCartney’s iconic vocals coupled with his imaginative compositions deliver remarkably whimsical tunes. Simple themes from every track are reminiscent of the equally simple messages from McCartney’s classic Beatles songs. However, his daring craft also signals how eager the singer is to revitalize his work with bold, zany, and experimental style choices. The surreal R&B vibes of “Deep Down” and the psychedelic eeriness of “Deep Deep Feeling” infuses genres with McCartney’s recognizable lyricism. This approach produces strange yet laidback melodies that you might hear at an avant-garde music lounge. McCartney also uses the album to discuss mental health for today’s time. His song “Find My Way,” for instance, features the chorus “You never used to be afraid of days like these / But now you're overwhelmed by your anxieties / Let me help you out.” The piano’s vibrant tempos, the drums’ lively dynamics, and the guitar’s cascading moods create enveloping synergy with McCartney’s vocals. This arrangement is coupled with the kind lyrics to reassure listeners that there’s nothing wrong with being open with others about emotional struggles. Closing this journey are soothing songs that leave a lingering positivity in the wake of the new year. A personal favorite, “The Kiss of Venus” has lyrics like “The kiss of Venus has got me on the go” and “we ME CARTNEY 3S o & c i) E £ ) a a Ss) 2 < 2 = i) s 5 a = circle through the square / Two passing planets in the sweet, sweet summer air.’ These beautiful and endearing metaphors about love blend Roman mythology with astronomy, and illustrate the human heart as the vast space opera of people’s lives. Moreover, McCartney’s meditative vocals are layered with soft chords from the guitar for a therapeutic experience that can help people face 2021 with hope, resolve, and love. Despite its takeaways, McCartney IIT doesn't surpass the more enjoyably Beatles- esque energy of his last album Egypt Station. McCartney’s newest songs are definitely worth hearing at least once, but they aren't as catchy or memorable as tracks like “Come On To Me” or “Dominoes” from his previous collection. His audacious music will take multiple listens to really appreciate its peculiar beats. Overall, Paul McCartney once again provides his fans with an incredibly refreshing soundtrack. The album jumps between genres to deliver soundscapes with their own inventive facets. McCartney’s newest songs illustrate his drive to reinvent his art and image. He continually challenges our assumptions—and perhaps even his own—about what he can do musically. For your enjoyment and fans everywhere, please welcome McCartney II for 2021!