In chess, the Queen's Gambit is a popular three-move game-opener that sees the white player sacrifice the Queen's pawn — or the pawn that sits directly in front of the Queen — for control of the center of the chess board. The move can have a number of variations and is a combination of vulnerability and board prowess, perfect for the white player who likes to keep the pressure on black and maintain an advantage. The approach isn't just the title of the series, but a metaphor for Beth's life, according to Taylor-Joy.
"Every time we finished that sequence, I would just burst into tears because I was so happy for her," the actress told Refinery29. "She has found this sense of contentment. Where she wasn't in pain or fighting something so intensely."
The finale is ultimately an optimistic ending to a tumultuous journey, and one that sees a leading character finally find a home, health and happiness. It's a message that Taylor-Joy hopes translates to viewers. "When you feel the loneliest, it's usually because you can't see past the end of your own nose," she said. "You're so wrapped up in your head that you're convinced there's nobody out there on the edge with you. But everyone's out there on the edge with you."
As for what happens to Beth following the finale, the Queen's Gambit star says it doesn't really matter where she goes now that she's gotten what she needs. "Whether she stays in Russia, whether she goes back [to America], whether she and Jolene travel around together for awhile, whatever it is — now that Beth is feeling more comfortable in herself and feels like she has a home within herself, I just hope that she's content."
