Why Beth Harmon is The Most Complex Character in Years | The Queen's Gambit

Today we analyze a truly dynamic and fascinating character: Beth Harmon from The Queen's Gambit.
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[@slimyelow]

Beth is her own antagonist. That was something Scott Frank thought was truly unique.

[@kanyerahming]

Beth losing to Benny at speed chess was explained. He was simply a better speed chess player than her and said he wasn’t sure he could beat her in a regular match, which turned out to be true. I’m pretty sure she improved her speed chess skills after losing to him.

[@brooklynnmcloud1470]

Speed Chess is different than regular chess. Some pros say you shouldn’t play speed chess and tournament. Speed chess will rot the brain. Benny’s character isn’t looked upon favorably in the book because he gambles on speed chess

[@kanyerahming]

@@brooklynnmcloud1470 ik it’s different from regular chess, that’s my point

[@brooklynnmcloud1470]

@@kanyerahming I’m adding to your comment not disagreeing

[@kanyerahming]

oh, mb lmao@@brooklynnmcloud1470

[@dabbyleemiller]

This video is so good. And it couldn't even exist if Anya Taylor Joy wasn't such a brilliant actor. She can portray conflict, convey repression... she really lived out this role and added to the complexity of the character. She understood the assignment 100%

[@paavobergmann4920]

Yes. i´ve seen her also in "The VVitch" and "last Night in Soho". She is extremely good.

[@joshuawells835]

There is a woman from my church who has a theory that all of the characters in the show are chess pieces. It has made watching the show more challenging to figure out which character is which piece. For example, I think Beth is the White Queen while her Russian opponent is the Black Queen. Anyone agree or disagree or any ideas on who is what piece?

[@blackcat6374]

that's quite of an interesting theory, it could be possible

[@mundanejane353]

Yes and the gambit itself includes giving up a pawn early on which is her mom who died when she was a kid

[@TSGPhilipp]

The russian kid she plays against is a Rook. Idk why, but he a rook

[@dabbyleemiller]

Sorry that I'm late but love love love love this theory!! I think Alma is the Knight, who can skip pieces and circumvent her own passion for the good of the game. For the good of Beth. I think Alma is Beth's queen-side Knight

[@jonahlee1272]

The twins are her bishops

[@Hailey_Paige_1937]

Beth is like looking at myself in a mirror. I have my fair share of trauma and maladaptive coping skills. Seeing Beth grow inspires me to better myself and to continue finding my place in my own world of Classical Music (I’m a Vocal Performance and Musicology Major). I know I have people who support me. Like Beth, I have my demons and internal struggles to navigate-one of them being isolation. Thank you for this video. It speaks volumes to me as a person and-if you don’t mind-I will take quite a few therapy sessions to unpack this with my therapist. I learned a lot from this for sure.

[@GenerationOchi]

Be well ❤️

[@GenerationOchi]

Thank you for your thoughts

[@Hailey_Paige_1937]

@@GenerationOchi Thank you! You as well. ❤

[@arindam1249]

Same, Beth's character has inspired me to stand up against my fears, for the goal in my mind. The fact that most of her characteristics were relatable, it has also visually portrayed my demons and hidden traumas in front of my eyes. Loved this show, will re-watch soon.

[@kurtoheim6183]

Thank you for the non-cynical and poetic interpretation of this wonderful story telling of The Queen's Gambit. Love matters. Friendship matters. Family matters. Adoption matters. Redemption and hope matters! .... "a mess and a masterpiece" matters...

[@arindam1249]

Beth's character has inspired me to stand up against my fears, for the goal in my mind. The fact that most of her characteristics were relatable, it has also visually portrayed my demons and hidden traumas in front of my eyes. Loved this show, will re-watch soon.

[@gretaenglish3519]

This is one of the best analyses of Beth Harmon! The Queen's Gambit is one of my all time favorites.

[@catmanyo]

Excellent analysis of a truly beautiful series. Great job! It seems really difficult to earn and conclude with a fairy tale ending without losing poignancy in stories like this, but The Queen's Gambit pulls it off brilliantly

[@GenerationOchi]

Well said!

[@Harpsibored]

Yay, Queen's Gambit! I'm glad you're still paying attention to a character from a year-old show. I just finished a rewatch and was deeply moved once again by Beth Harmon's amazing wardrobe. ......I mean. Triumph against addiction...yeah that's what I meant.

[@GenerationOchi]

🤔Oh, so now the clothes have meaning too? 🤌🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️. Gotta make a two-hour video now.

[@Harpsibored]

@@GenerationOchi I approve.

[@go2guy]

Brilliant pychological breakdown of the show

[@Abba_Jesus]

Anyone here who's intj...I can relate to Beth harmon...the good and bad....even the overindulgence. Me playing chess when I was younger till I got obsessed in studying.

[@LittleMissV]

I’m INTJ. INTJ women are especially rare, which make it hard for some to relate with other women. We also don’t have much in the way of representation in the media. It was a revelation to see a female on screen like Beth Harmon.

[@Abba_Jesus]

@@LittleMissV im the first intj from our family though... I guess bad childhood is always present on every intjs...

[@Jennifahh]

@@Abba_Jesus many ppl have bad childhoods and they're not intj. Like stop labeling everything into categories. Is annoying af and doesn't make you special

[@Haz1Art]

@@Abba_Jesus please dont simply blatantly project onto others. Im also an intj but I, as many other real life intjs I had met had pretty normal childhood.

[@slimyelow]

I have dedicated my channel and all my love for Beth Harmon, The Queen's Gambit creators, Carlos Rafael Rivera, and especially Anya Taylor-Joy to them, my true every day heroes. I have never been so moved by a work of such extraordinary art in my life. Thank You for this.

[@CP-xy2ht]

Great analysis. Healing comes through passion, hard work and connection with people!

[@LadyINTJOfficial]

I’m an INTJ female and I understood every thing about her in regards to her mind. I’m not a chess player nor do I know anything about it, but I can totally relate to her.

[@Prometheus7272]

ENTP and I relate to her alot, funny how benny is a clear ENTP

[@Amylou690]

Anne Taylor Joy was mesmerizing...and Marianne Heller was terrific...highest level of acting

[@LittleMissV]

Fairly sure she’s an INTJ. INTJ women are especially rare, which make it hard for some to relate with other women. We also don’t have much in the way of representation in the media. It was a revelation to see a female on screen like Beth Harmon.

[@Orson2u]

Perhaps. But Aspies (Asperger’s Syndrome) like Beth do not really fit into Myers-Briggs Type indicator categories.

[@ramprasathpunithan9926]

INFJ, actually!

[@LittleMissV]

@@ramprasathpunithan9926 she’s been typed as INTJ by many others already. Definitely nothing like an INFJ.

[@rott3nvamp]

​@@ramprasathpunithan9926she is INTJ (ni-te-fi-se)

[@theA731N]

@@LittleMissVThe first character in my opinion was more INTJ. But the second Beth was definitely INFJ.

[@MarionJInce]

I loved the Queens Gambit. Anya Taylor-Joy was excellent and quite mesmerizing, but also, Isla Johnston as young Beth was amazing. Occupying the first episode, she was intriguing enough to attract the audience to continue watching the show. She was a great actress at a young age and I don’t believe she is getting enough credit.

[@kappia6471]

thank you for putting into words why i love this character and series so much

[@GenerationOchi]

Thx for watching ☺️✌️

[@Freezient]

32:31 I don’t think the knife comment was there to disturb him, he didn’t seem to be disturbed by it. I don’t think she wanted to hustle Benny either she went out to get coffee. She thinks she could beat him at least once at speed chess, but Benny, without even knowing it, used her addictive tendency to keep her playing. “Maybe this round i could beat him, maybe this round i could beat him” over and over. Why would she purposely keep losing to him in speed chess for no reason, and cries about it? That does not make any sense. Beth may have won against Harry (with the help of the pills) but she was a reckless player, no proper strategies made. Both Harry and Benny helps her with that. She managed to beat Benny because she took Harry’s advice by reading and studying Benny’s book (studying her opponents) not because she pretends to lose to speed chess to him, (its different than regular chess). She managed to beat the Russians cause she studies with Benny, he’s the one who told her to play chess properly (workman-like chess) if she hadn’t she wouldn’t go so far to play against the big players like Laev or Luchenko, Beth barely beats Girev and had to play dirty with him to throw him off.

[@apet6752]

^THIIS tho had me screaming she was literally just getting coffee and neither of them was trying to psych the other one out 😂😂

[@Freezient]

@@apet6752 Its possible that Benny might, but he said it himself, he doesn’t need to do that to beat her, so he’s just looking for action

[@apet6752]

@@Freezient yeah i mean he's a gambler and winning money is obviously fun for him 😁 but later he feels bad bcs of how much it messed with Beth

[@sofya_iginova]

Well, I see myself in this character like in the mirror. You made me cry for 48 minutes

[@GenerationOchi]

I always make you cry 😢... 😂😂

[@kathc659]

Bravo. What a great analysis. One lovely insight: She begins and ends chess playing an old fella with comraderie. Apparently under the jacket of the old man in Russia is Shaibel's cardigan, a delicious little homage from the costume designer :)

[@slimyelow]

This documentary is a true master piece. I absolutely adore it. Thank You so much for this.

[@road_king_dude]

I gotta say I really appreciate the writing in this video.

[@guyunknown6224]

Literally haven't watched this show but I love American ben enough that I am here 😂😂

[@GenerationOchi]

Haha❤️u.

[@mcguandique]

I can't wait to see your next video! thanks!

[@slimyelow]

The amazing film score brings out the inner struggle as well as the delicate female development of a timid girl into abrupt adulthood. Beth's theme consists of only 2 notes and these notes for the most part make up all the beautiful breath taking music that propels TQG. We are rarely aware of how powerful the music is. Composer Carlos Rafael Rivera spent 2 years in 'the basement' with Beth to bring out the best film music of the 21st century. For those with canny ears: you might have noticed the reoccurring them of Eric Satie's Gnossienne No.1 . It is the solo piano peace that Beth first hears Alma play one morning. She sits on the stairs, the banister partly barring her view as she watches and listens.....

[@Hailey_Paige_1937]

Gymnopedie and Gnossienne No. 1, yes! Both of those pieces keep coming back as Beth grows and forms her relationship with Alma.

[@jez2466]

Nice video, but I don't think Beth is capable of deliberately losing. She lost at speed chess to Benny, fair and square

[@kanyerahming]

Yep

[@ldallas8315]

Excellent analysis of Beth's character

[@chifffy]

This was a really beautiful video thank you x

[@christinan6450]

Thanking for sharing this story. I was hanging on every word. Excellent!!

[@arindam1249]

This may have been the best character analysis I've ever witnessed.

[@kevinbryan2800]

Thank you for this beautiful analysis.

[@lauriecoughlan4061]

Wow, this was really well done, and thought out, good job.

[@Estenberg]

Good job - this is my favorite series and now your exceptional video analysis to match.

[@ScreamxBlackk]

This was great I needed it

[@Lucidtundra]

i like analysing videos. you don't need to think of doing trending stuff all the time.

[@laforgedesmots9241]

Incredible analysis, you deserve more views ! Keep going (=

[@ammarmiro6571]

i had emotional feeling in the episode 🥺☺️

[@killingragethrowback]

Working to be accepted by others... am I maladjusted by thinking that's normal? I mean, no one has any worth. We start from nothing, and we have to work to be someone worth the time.

[@ataventurine7515]

While you believe in the “becoming” someone, projecting an image what you want the world to see you as, for example, a successful moneymaker or a good person. Everyone are different individuals who have their own separate thoughts, thinkings, beliefs, opinions, feelings, emotions, goals and motivations. Well, I think life have no meaning except the survival of the fittest but I don’t think “working to be accepted by others” is a good think, for example, because everyone want you to be something from their own subjective point of view. You have only one life, one existence, one body, one soul, one mind and I don’t believe in afterlife, when we die, we’re completely disappeared. Rather than trying to fulfill others’ needs and expectations, you should try to love yourself, care more about your own body and mind. Live healthy and fulfilling.

[@abigailmiller5650]

Each life is unique and has value. Life is a gift from God.

[@rweaver6]

Gets it. Finds and identifies the great underlying optimism that imbues this story. And certainly says it better than I could, up to this point. Highly recommended.

[@poslednisoud]

This show was hard for me to watch and until watching this video I didn't realize why. Now I can see I looked at the screen and listened to sounds but I never actually watched it. I missed almost all of the connections mentioned in this video. I didn't understand one bit about Beth until being explicitly pointed out. I admit it might be me just being stupid, on the other hand I am am pretty sure it's because my mind works similar to hers only I miss her drive and therefore never evolved the way she did. I just glossed over all the emotion and personality and as always just concentrated on the cold facts like a scientist wondering why flowers are so popular when there is nothing measurably special about them, missing the point entirely. I really should work on my emotional intelligence.

[@Orson2u]

No apologies needed. Words are pegs to hang ideas on. We can all benefit from finding the right pegs.

[@caitlyn9833]

Amazing series and an even more amazing video :)

[@GenerationOchi]

Thx Caitlyn☺️☺️

[@cinthyaraudales5033]

I am an INTJ and totally saw myself in her personality. Except for the drinking, smoking and drugs and a few trauma coping mechanisms.

[@Ben_01]

Common Se inferior grip behavior

[@Orson2u]

There is plenty of powerful articulation and tell8ng insights here, especially in the second half. THIS deserves a much larger viewership.

[@yaraviera4444]

It's a beautiful story..thanks for sharing this..

[@dumplin.580]

I love this series so much. can't believe I'm so early too!

[@GenerationOchi]

Hai😁✌️. Thx for being early.

[@molitocostaswalo7527]

Wow! What a wonderful, insightful analysis. Nicely done, good sir. Nicely done.

[@lesasmart6043]

I related alot to her character. I dont know if the film meant to but I found her good interpretation of female autism.

[@alanconrad8490]

such a phenomenal series.....things this great are, unfortunately, few and far between

[@granpaul5020]

Wow. Really enjoyed your analysis of one of my favorite characters in a favorite series.

[@steve_santiago]

Great video. I think Beth actually did actually lose to Benny at speed chess only b/c she had never played before. Losing made her a better player (just like losing at regular chess to Mr. Shibell did.)

[@adrianacollazo3301]

I was so immersed in this video until "He's no evil communist machine, he's grandpa." And then I burst out laughing that is the funniest sentence of all time.

[@NuttyAsSquirrelPoo]

Where was this when I was writing my final paper last month analyzing the psyche of Beth Harmon?

[@GenerationOchi]

You still did well I hope?

[@NuttyAsSquirrelPoo]

@@GenerationOchi Yeah, it wasn't graded harshly at all. Plus, with such a wealth of character development to work with...

[@shitlordflytrap1078]

To be fair, you had to think on your own that way.

[@garudain77]

Excellent analysis!

[@edgerat]

Bravo Ochi!!!!

[@johnwest7993]

Good insights. Well done.

[@yaraviera4444]

One of my favorite movie. Every movie in Netflix is great but this movie its incredible..

[@geofthompson3844]

It's perfect because it hits everything you want from a movie. Adversity, and triumph, trauma and joy. And superb character. Everyone can connect with some aspect of the story. And Beth is so flawed that no-one could say that she's above anyone.

[@beeeee3210]

Hey this is unrelated but could you do an ending explanation or analysis for All of us are dead. Also love your video 👍🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@kandicrunch9854]

Please do a video on all of us are dead!! I think you will really enjoy the show!

[@ellienavarro4230]

Big thumb up 👍!!! Great analysis for this compelling story from Beth's inner life. Top notch job, Ben 👌

[@GenerationOchi]

Thx Ellie❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lolkayleen2757]

Such a criminally underrated KZbinr pls come back I miss ur videos 💔💔 however I think just a tiny bit constructive criticism I love ur thorough explanations but maybe be careful to not ramble and go over the same points with different words Also 30:21 what do u mean overt heterosexuality don’t the two women literally sleep with each other 😭

[@anarchyseeds4406]

ty!

[@nicholashlibka9889]

Young Beth Harmon calling Mr Shibiel a cock sucker is one of the funniest things to me.

[@victormichuki4985]

Wow cool analysis and physiological thank you Hi

[@GenerationOchi]

Thx u Mr. First.

[@robertnicke3259]

Beautifully, incredibly. Insightfully well done. Don't know who you are, but as an MD, you can be my clinical psychologist/therapist ANY TIME! 😊

[@yaraviera4444]

As she emplied "its beautiful"

[@troyingram716]

I can not see how you could be in love and not let your lover know all your moves.

[@rebekah4405]

I rarely watch TV but the storyline echos my life story so I had to look up the books publication date, even the clothing, green meds, etc are the same I was a spelling "prodigal child" I've ndver seen a show so eerily alike

[@paulsmith5622]

If Mr. Shaibel watched this video, he would undoubtedly describe this analysis as outstanding.

[@SuperLadyDanger]

Since you never see if others have posted while you are, I won't claim to be "first" (especially since I didn't post this before taking a phone call). I'll enjoy saying that when I started watching, there weren't any other viewers or comments shown or posted. I've not seen The Queen's Gambit before so I'm glad for a chance to get Generation Ochi's insight. This video couldn't have come at a better time since I need an emotional pick-me-up after the physical one I just got! Thanks my virtual buddies!!

[@GenerationOchi]

Thanks u! Always good to see your comment. Have a happy new year!😁✌️

[@SuperLadyDanger]

@@GenerationOchi It's always nice to hear back from you. I hope you also have a very happy new year! May 2022 bring you lots of joy & success!

[@3lysiqn]

I believe the actor’s name is A Taylor Joy ,don’t kill me if I’m wrong lmao, I truly respect her for accurately portraying this complex character.If Beth had been shown any different I feel the series who be completely moved.

[@yaraviera4444]

As the first character sayd before don't play with strangers..so as the character find a way out through chess..game. the more she win 🏆 the more pressure

[@daole9572]

american ben can you create an video about vladilena milize from an anime 86

[@andrewr62]

Always plays to win!!

[@ajbanaag2748]

Plssss!!! make a video about All of us are Dead.

[@Calers-gu1ib]

It's the best series I've ever watch. I loved it so much I didn't care that the young Beth looked nothing like the adult Beth to me.

[@paavobergmann4920]

The Queen´s Gambit took me completely by surprise. I really thought I wouldn´t like it. hten I had nothing else to do and gave it a try. then I was completely captivated. I don´t even play chess.

[@voiceofinsight1]

Let's do black sails next

[@alisyd5645]

Its June 2024... Im reading the book, great book by Walter Tevis. Who also wrote the book which later became, The Color of Money starring Paul Newman. I didnt see any of the series, and what you're talking about the trauma etc, was not addressed in the book.

[@joseaguilar3323]

He also wrote the book which became The Hustler, also starring Paul Newman playing the same character

[@amewa]

wya ochi D=

[@starpartyguy5605]

According to the writer/producer, from the extra content on Netflix, the real story could be called, The price of genius. Loosely based on the mind and play of Bobby Fischer

[@jimmyrbyamirb7IDF]

Bill Gates said today from his plush home, let AI decide who is the best Chess Player?

[@anetakuczorska5042]

❤

[@danielbull5597]

There seems to be many claims here delivered as absolute or fact, like "this is healthy, folks". I'll take it if you are a qualified psychologist. Are you?

[@yaraviera4444]

I think being a genius its not that good..because of the pressure it brings. Beth game chess its a way of showing her feelings..

[@lightningwaves5436]

Benny and her sex buddies! The ending is also a male fantasy.

[@Orson2u]

Point of order. Beth finds her feminists most by other women. Her mother, but also by the reporter in her interview.

[@yaraviera4444]

So the character is more creativity through chess 🤔

[@joec9486]

I came here for you tbh.

[@GenerationOchi]

Haha thx Joe

[@joec9486]

@@GenerationOchi It's just the truth. I enjoy your commentary. I haven't even watched this show yet but watched your break down to see if I should. Hope this year has treated you well and wish you better in the next. Thanks Ben....yeah I prolly shoulda said this in my first post but no hom....oh wait that phrase might get me banned lol

[@stan939]

Omg I didn't know he was gay?!

[@ratan4976]

my history is similar but medical drugs mess up my brain.

[@cinthyaraudales5033]

I am sorry but her need to be alone. and detachment have nothing to do with trauma. She is an INTJ. I HAD A WONDERFUL childhood with the most loving parents and I still behave like her. Aloof, alone, dont like people much.. weird, misunderstood. Look up C.S. joseph cognitive functions. She has FE trickster

[@tile-maker4962]

INTJ people... Disperse!

[@yaraviera4444]

The character miss her mom..

[@frogboi6045]

I think a lot of her character can be explained by Autism; I dont know if this is intentional but it would make sense

[@yaraviera4444]

Where beth had that weak moment..

[@yonibennett6201]

This series was ok till it was clear they were pushing a narrative. Should have just stuck to the great storyline. Disappointing

[@timetravel099]

Too unrealistic even for a series.