Rematch review: A checkmate in storytelling exploring the 1997 chess duel between Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov and Deep Blue computer

Rematch isn't just a sports drama; it's a cerebral battle, a clash of intellects and a profound exploration of human ingenuity against the relentless logic of artificial intelligence.

The debate over whether artificial intelligence (AI) or human intelligence reigns supreme is heating up with each passing day as AI keeps evolving. It’s a conversation that evokes curiosity, fear, and excitement all at once, and has got the world wondering only one thing: Can machines outsmart the human brain, or is there something about us that’ll always give us the edge? Yan England’s upcoming show Rematch, explores this question by diving into one of the most glamorous face-offs between human mind and computer science in history. 

A six-episode series, Rematch reimagines the legendary 1997 showdown between world chess champion Garry Kasparov, essayed by Christian Cooke, and IBM’s supercomputer Deep Blue and how a high-stakes battle of intellect turns into a global spectacle, as Kasparov takes on a formidable machine, mounting pressure from the media, tech world, while battling his emotional turmoils. The series opens with Kasparov’s monologue, where he asserts that chess is war in its purest form and it pretty much encapsulates the essence of the show and probably the legendary showdown that took place 28 years ago, delving into the strategies, mobilization of resources, and psychological tactics employed by the parties to win this war of egos and supremacy. 

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 The first episode sees Kasparov clinically defeating Deep Blue in a six-round match in 1996, and IBM chief convening a boardroom meeting to investigate the company’s declining stake in the market. Faced with the pressure to steer the company through troubled waters, especially with the rise of the internet, VP Helen Brock (Sarah Bolger) sees an opportunity in the chess face-off and persuades Kasparov for a re-match, assuring the world that Deep Blue has improved in her performance. However, the first match ends in the same result as the previous one, with Kasparov emerging as the winner, setting panic within IBM. The company thereby unleashes its cut-throat side, and they rope in other grandmasters, manipulate code, and deploy mind games to get the better of Kasparov. The sports drama soon evolves into a psychological thriller, and despite knowing the outcome keeps the viewers thoroughly interested. 

Christian Cooke as Kasparov, does a fine job portraying the intensity, psyche, and vulnerabilities of a world champion up against an opponent that is the very limit of human cognitive dominance - a computer, equipped to calculate 200 million moves per second! The actor impressively carries the show on his shoulders and gives it the emotional grounding that enhances the thrills and chills of the narration. The rest of the characters, mostly techies and corporate leaders, lend solid support and add to the authenticity and realism of the story. The series, despite its limited scope for twists and turns, thrives on its presentation. It succeeds in creating an atmosphere that is tense, brooding, and merciless, thanks to its sharp cinematography and background score that convey the protagonist's inner chaos and the pressures of a high-stakes competition. However, the show’s uneven pacing is slightly disappointing. While the episodes dealing with Kasparov’s preparations, strategies, and brainstorming sessions before the games or IBM’s tactics and corporate politics are a treat to watch, parts that deal with Kasparov’s emotional vulnerabilities and frustrations as he fails to come up with solutions to deal with Deep Blue felt repetitive and filler-ish.  

However, even as someone completely uninitiated to chess, the series felt deeply relatable as a professional who often comes across articles about how AI could replace her. Seeing a genius like Kasparov struggle and play for his pride, honour, and legacy against an opponent who is programmed by the best brains in technology and the sport, who wouldn’t ever be weighed down by conflicts that humans face, was unsettling. The duel will resonate with my generation, which often lives in fear of losing out on opportunities given the rapidly changing economy, polity, and ever-evolving technology. Technologies, which now seem less of a positive changemaker and more of a ruthless competitor who is largely incomprehensible, no matter how well equipped you are. Nonetheless, there is still hope and positivity, as there is in this series, watching which will be a highly rewarding experience, especially for those interested in sports, history, and technology.

Rematch will premiere on Lionsgate Play on July 18.

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