The Wizarding World continues to expand the mythology with Fantastic Beasts the Crimes of Grindelwald, an action packed addition that is bursting with references for Potterheads everywhere.
Newt Scamander returns to the Ministry of Magic (we get to see three country’s ministries in this film) where we meet his brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law. It seems the Magical world is still trying to hunt down the criminal Grindelwald, as well as the mysterious Credence (played by Ezra Miller), and Newt is caught up in the middle of it.
While this new chapter feels very much like a missing chapter from the original Potter series, there’s still plenty to enjoy for the casual Wizard viewer: Performances by Eddie Redmayne, Dan Fogler, and Zoë Kravitz were outstanding, elevating the fantasy to a relatable place for muggles to appreciate regardless of their inability to participate. As for Dumbledore, there are perhaps two moments in the film that can be perceived as admission of his sexuality and relationship to Grindelwald. But they’re easily also perceived as the opposite for anyone who wishes to see it another way. It’s disappointingly sterile. The new beasts we meet are creative and original. Scamander’s obsession with these creatures is reminiscent of Hagrid’s plethora of monsters.
Whether you live and breathe the Wizarding World, or you’re just a fan of fantasy films, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is sure to be an exciting and fun ride.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald hits theaters Friday, November 16th
— Yael Tygiel