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The Queen's Gambit: What Killed Alma (& Why She Had To Die)
Beth's mom Alma Wheatley (Marielle Heller) died in a shocking moment during The Queen's Gambit, but it was not completely unexpected — and was a necessary event for Beth's overall character development. The Netflix series The Queen's Gambit is an adaptation of the popular novel of the same title by Walter Tevis, and is largely a coming-of-age story centered on its female protagonist, Beth Harmon. Both of Beth's moms — but particularly Alma — are important characters on The Queen's Gambit, not only informing the protagonist's decision-making but shaping her success as a grandmaster. It was clear that Beth's adoptive mother had issues from the getgo, ultimately leading to Alma's death in Mexico City.