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How Netflixâs âThe Queenâs Gambitâ is Making Chess Cool Again
Anyone who thinks chess is boring clearly hasn't seen The Queen's Gambit.
This mini-series, based on the novel of the same name by Walter Tevis, has proved a hit since it landed on Netflix on October 23. So much so that growing numbers of people are trying out the game on their cell phones, maybe in the hope of reaching the same level of expertise as the show's chess prodigy, Beth Harmon.
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The Queen's Gambit follows the life of orphan Beth Harmon, who becomes a chess prodigy. (Image: The Queen's Gambit)[/caption]
The Queen's Gambit follows the life of Beth Harmon (played by Anya Taylor-Joy), who is placed in a Kentucky orphanage as a child following her mother's death in a car accident. There, she discovers an unexpected talent for chess thanks to the janitor, Mr Shaibel (Bill Camp), who teaches her about the game, while also developing a tranquilliser addiction. Beth battles constantly with her addiction over the years, while trying to make her name in the ultra-competitive world of chess grandmasters.
Although entirely fictional, Beth Harmon's rise in the world of chess seems to be inciting viewers to learn about this game, which has been around for over 15 centuries. Since the show's seven episodes landed on Netflix, mobile chess games have been topping search results in various application stores. Daily downloads have also grown by 63 percent in the US and 11% worldwide, according to app specialists AppAnnie. For example, the "Chess" app from AI Factory Limited currently stands at number 14 in the most downloaded paid-for games on Google Play in the US.
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The rise of Beth Harmon (played by Anya Taylor-Joy) in the world of chess is particularly compelling to watch. (Image: Netflix)[/caption]
And this newfound interest in the game goes beyond mobile apps â it's also being seen in publishing. The best-seller The Queen's Gambit rose to 16th place in the most-downloaded fictional e-books in Apple's iBookstore, according to data from Pop Vortex. And that's a respectable place, considering that Walter Tevis's coming-of-age novel was first published in 1983.
Intrigued? Watch it here on Netflix.
(All images: Netflix)
The post How Netflixâs âThe Queenâs Gambitâ is Making Chess Cool Again appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
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All the Halloween Movies on Netflix and Hulu You Can Stream Right Now
The Most Spine-Tingling Horror Movies to Watch on Netflix This Halloween
Nothing beats a weekend cosying up on the couch, armed with popcorn, Netflix, and the best horror movies ever created.
With Halloween just around the corner, now is the perfect time to binge-watch our favourite spooky flicks â and to take our minds off the actual horrors of our real world.
From sinister rituals to sĂŠances gone wrong and zombie attacks, our list of the best horror movies to stream on Netflix promises a spine-chilling evening.
Best horror movies on Netflix to watch this Halloween â
1. VerĂłnica
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VerĂłnica, a schoolgirl who is responsible for her younger siblings, conducts a sĂŠance at school with her friends in an attempt to connect with her deceased father. (Image: VerĂłnica / IMDB)[/caption]
2017 Spanish horror film VerĂłnica created a stir on social media when viewers claimed that it was so scary that they had to stop watching midway due to its extreme gore. The Paco Plaza-directorial is inspired by a 1992 incident in Madrid when a teenage girl was attacked by a malevolent force after she used an Ouija board at school with her two friends.
VerĂłnica, a schoolgirl who cares for her younger siblings, conducts a sĂŠance at school with her friends in an attempt to connect with her deceased father. During the process, the girls conjure an evil spirit that latches itself on VerĂłnica. She then starts witnessing paranormal events at home and tries to protect her family from the demonic presence.
While VerĂłnica did not make big on the award scales, it offered enough blood-curdling moments to deter us from ever messing with Ouija boards.
Watch it here.
2. The Ritual
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Among the best horror movies on Netflix is this British horror-mystery film by David Bruckner, which is inspired by a 2011 Adam Nevill novel of the same name. (Image: The Ritual / IMDB)[/caption]
Picture this: You lose a friend after a tragic incident and decide to honour his or her memory with a hiking trip, only for it to land you in danger â because of one wrong turn. This British horror-mystery film by David Bruckner, inspired by a 2011 Adam Nevill novel of the same name, is based on this premise.
Six months after their friendâs brutal killing, four university buddies decide to reunite for a trek through Swedenâs Kingâs Trail. Things begin to go awry after one of them injures himself, prompting them to take a shortcut that leads to a series of creepy, unexplained occurrences.
Without giving too much away, what happens next involves a terrifying beast lurking in the woods.
Watch it here.
3. Under The Shadow
Imagine living in a war-torn country where your home, which is supposed to be your safest place, is haunted by a supernatural being. As if you didnât already have enough problems.
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Babak Anvariâs Persian-language Iranian horror film Under The Shadow takes viewers back to the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq war. (Image: Under The Shadow / IMDB)[/caption]
Babak Anvariâs Persian-language Iranian horror film Under The Shadow takes viewers back to the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq war. When a building is hit by a missile, one of its occupants becomes suspicious that itâs cursed by djinns, evil spirits steeped in Middle Eastern folklore, which may attempt to harm her daughter. She then struggles to keep the demons away from her child at home while fighting the fear of losing her husband at war, all at the same time.
While the film begins on a slow pace, it picks up eventually with its masterful combination of the horrors of war and the supernatural, and becomes a gripping, thrilling watch.
Watch it here.
4. Shutter
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The 2004 film was critically acclaimed for its storyline and execution and became a commercial success worldwide. (Image credit: Shutter / IMDB)[/caption]
A young photographer and his girlfriend start to witness horrifying entities in their pictures after being involved in a hit-and-run accident. They initially think that it is the deceased victimâs soul haunting them, but eventually come to learn that itâs an unpleasant mistake of the past that is refusing to leave them alone.
The 2004 film was critically acclaimed for its storyline and execution and became a commercial success worldwide. It was so popular that it sparked several remakes in English, Hindi and Tamil.
Watch it here.
5. Overlord
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Overlord is set in an alternate World War 2 period. (Image credit: Overlord / IMDB)[/caption]
An action-horror flick, Overlord takes place in an alternate World War 2 setting and follows American soldiers on D-Day when they cross enemy lines â only to discover the dark secrets of Nazi experiments. They then find themselves embroiled in a battle against an army of the undead.
The JJ Abrams-produced film opened to positive reviews for its innovative spin on the war film genre. Do note it doesnât hold back on the gore and violence â one of its most unnerving scenes depicts a talking severed head.
Watch it here.
This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore
(Main image: Overlord/ IMDB; Featured image: VerĂłnica / IMDB)
The post The Most Spine-Tingling Horror Movies to Watch on Netflix This Halloween appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
The Best Feel-Good Netflix Shows to Watch This Weekend
In need of some light-hearted entertainment?
When the going gets tough, even the toughest could all use a little cheering up. With the pandemic still raging on in other parts of the world, and our travel options remaining heavily limited (though we're looking forward to visiting Singapore soon), 2020 has really been a massive downer.
If you're looking for ways to keep your spirits high, we've got some suggestions. These feel-good Netflix shows will make you laugh and cry â in a good way â and are almost guaranteed to keep you in a positive mood all through the week.
Social distance
Our favourite new show is âSocial Distanceâ, an eight-part series based entirely on the COVID-19 pandemic. Each episode features a different cast and storyline touching on topics that hit close to home during these uncertain times: relationship drama, loved ones battling the virus, death, frontlines, and the Black Lives Matter movement. These stories are told through the lens of technology as our current means of communication and as this year would have it, connection.
Emily in Paris
Predictable love interests, Paris, and a red beret â the cliches are many and itâs what makes this show work (among other reasons), the break from reality into a fairytale word. The other reasons being mainly the showâs fashion moments, Emilyâs upbeat can-do attitude, and a stellar case including Lily Collins who plays Emily, and Kate Walsh who plays her boss, Madeline.
Blackpink: Light Up The Sky
Blackpink is hailed as the most popular K-pop girl group of all time, and thatâs not a status reached without the years of dedication and hard work the K-pop training industry is notoriously known for. This documentary takes a look at the group as individuals and the different backgrounds Lisa, Jisoo, RosĂŠ and Jennie come from. You donât have to be a Blink to appreciate the authenticity the girls showcase in this documentary, nor their music.
Song Exploder
While weâre appreciating great music in this list, Song Exploder shines a spotlight on some of the greatest musicians of todayâs Hollywood. The show is based on the podcast in which various artists talk about the making of their hit singles. This season includes the likes of Alicia Keys, Lin-Manuel Miranda, R.E.M. and Ty Dolla $ign.
The Cabin With Bert Kreischerem
Havenât you ever wanted to ditch it all and go live in a cabin somewhere? Comedian Bert Kreischer has, and did. In his new abode he sets out to cleanse his âmind, body and soulâ, trying out different therapy techniques and challenges with guest appearances by other celebrities like Caitlyn Jenner, Joel McHale, and Kaley Cuoco.
This story first appeared on Prestige Malaysia
(Main image: Song Exploder/ Netflix; Featured image: Emily in Paris/ Facebook)
The post The Best Feel-Good Netflix Shows to Watch This Weekend appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
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The Most Underrated European TV Series to Binge-Watch
By now, your bosses and colleagues have probably seen more of your abode than you would've ever expected to show them.
With many of us working from home these days, meetings held over video conferencing apps the likes of Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become the new normal. Inevitably, this means letting colleagues into our residences â albeit virtually â and having them catch glimpses of it via our backdrop. Depending on where your workspace is located, this view could range from a boring blank wall to windows or cluttered bookshelves.
Your makeshift office may not be the most glamorous, but there are several easy interior design tricks that you can employ to quickly jazz up the background of your Zoom calls.
Textiles and cushions
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Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli. (Image: Armani/Casa) -
Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli. (Image: Armani/Casa)
If your workstation of choice is the couch or bed, all it takes is a few snazzy throw pillows wrapped in eye-catching fabrics and prints to provide visual interest in the space behind you. Consider dressing your cushions in the Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli collection, which is inspired by modern art â specifically works by Henri Matisse, Vasilij Kandinskij and Paul Klee.
It showcases striking colour blocks embellished with embroideries, ikat details and intertwined motifs. These are available in various patterns and shades ranging from pastel to neutral hues. More details here.
Houseplants and greenery
Adding houseplants to your home office will help the space look less spartan and bland. Smaller plants like cacti, succulents and spider plants can be displayed on shelves or tables, while larger ones such as philodendrons, snake plants and ZZ plant (Zanzibar Gem) can be placed on the floor to break the monotony of blank walls.
Online plant retailer Flora Houses offers a wide variety of houseplants that will thrive indoors and are generally low-maintenance. Its range includes Japanese fir, fiddle leaf fig and Bird of Paradise. The store provides free doorstep delivery with a minimum spend.
Artworks and paintings
Perhaps houseplants may seem like too much of a commitment, or you simply don't have green fingers. This is where paintings and art pieces make an easier alternative. You can simply hang a couple of them on the wall that constantly forms your video call backdrop.
An Andy Warhol or Basquiat will certainly impress your co-workers, but your art doesn't necessarily have to be expensive or by big name artists. Consider procuring artworks instead from indie galleries such as Odd One Out, which boasts an array of creations by local and international printmakers and illustrators. We can't take our eyes off the above acrylic painting by Micke Lindebergh, which is titled 'Small Yellow Flower Pot' and features colourful blooms accented by quirky squiggles and bright hues.
Statement ornaments and furniture
Inject a dose of quirk into your meeting setup by peppering your background with assorted decorative items and statement furniture pieces. These can be anything from figurines to colourful tiles and dramatic room dividers.
Our go-to is Lala Curio, which is a whimsical wonderland of objets d'art such as brass monkey sculptures, cloisonnĂŠ birds, and, one of our favourites â an adorable trio of cranes adorned with rock crystal feathers and perched on crystal balls.
Wallpaper
Why settle for one specially curated work area, when you can turn your whole room into an Instagram-worthy space? Wallpaper is a bold and easy solution â if every wall in your room is clad in beautiful prints, you can essentially park yourself in any corner and still have an envy-inducing Zoom backdrop.
Designer wallpaper has seen a resurgence in recent years, and we're obsessed with Christian Lacroix's exquisite Oiseau Fleur vinyl wallpaper, which depicts vibrant botanical and bird motifs against a silk effect embossed base. It comes in two colourways of pink and grey.
(Main image: Brina Blum/ Unsplash; Featured image: Christian Lacroix)
The post The Most Underrated European TV Series to Binge-Watch appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.