I've seen similarly commentary about Maggie Gyllenhaal in The Dark Knight, how Christian Bale had to do "heavy lifting and pretend that she was beautiful". She isn't someone I find attractive but it's not unbelievable to think someone would

Entirely different story if a script has characters compliment someone that doesn't line up with how they appear. Like if a man was said to have a jawline that could cut diamonds but it was actually quite round or something

Also for The Queen's Gambit, Beth was considered beautiful but also cunning and unique. She had an element of mystery surrounding her in combination with confidence and a big ego. Anya Taylor Joy is drop dead gorgeous imo but those non physical traits of her character could also be alluring to people, believably so.