Six years after its premiere on Netflix, The Queen’s Gambit remains a benchmark in the entertainment field, not only for its narrative and outstanding performances, led by Anya Taylor-Joy, but also for its treatment of mental health.
The series, which became the most-watched in the history of the platform with 112.8 million views, realistically addresses the depression and addiction of its protagonist, Beth Harmon, which has been praised by both critics and psychologists.
A series that entertains and portrays the reality of many people
According to a report from the British Journal of Psychology, The Queen’s Gambit establishes itself as an important cultural document for understanding the representation of mental health issues.
The series manages to avoid sensationalism by portraying Beth’s internal struggle, providing a clear view of how relapses can be connected to unresolved traumas. The narrative starkly shows the impact of isolation and shame on her life, contributing to her addiction.
Although some critics have pointed out that Beth’s recovery might seem unrealistic, researchers emphasize that her process accurately reflects the complexity of substance abuse and related recovery. By overcoming her feelings of shame and isolation, Beth also confronts her addiction, which is presented in a balanced way in the series. This allows many viewers to identify with her struggles, making the series a significant representation of issues that often remain hidden.
In addition to its critical success, The Queen’s Gambit made history by being the first series from a streaming service to receive the Emmy for Best Limited or Anthology Series, and it won two Golden Globes: one for Best Miniseries or Television Film and another for Taylor-Joy as Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film. This combination of commercial success and meaningful content ensures that the series remains in the conversation about mental health and entertainment.
