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.
In The Queen's Gambit, Beth is orphaned at the age of seven following a car accident (that is heavily hinted to be her unhinged biological mother's attempt to commit a murder-suicide). After spending several years in an orphanage, Beth is adopted by Alma and Allston Wheatley. Soon after the adoption, however, Allston abandons the family, providing very little money for Alma and Beth to live on. The seemingly unfortunate turn of events is revealed to actually be in Beth's favor: the newfound need for additional income is the impetus for not just Beth's burgeoning chess career, but also her close relationship with her adoptive mother Alma. Beth's mom becomes her manager, traveling all over the country with her in order for Beth to compete (and win) various chess tournaments. The two even travel to Mexico City, where Alma gets to fulfill a life-long dream of meeting her pen pal and romantic interest, Manuel. Unfortunately, Alma's death in The Queen's Gambit covers the trip like a dark cloud, leaving Beth to cope.
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