Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore - Review

In 2001, JK Rowling, spiritual mother of the Harry Potter series, published two books, the proceeds of which went to charity. Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Themwere two fictional textbooks. The latter was written by Rowling's alter ego, Newt Scamander. As the best and only magizoologist, Scamander knew how to deal with magical creatures that are hidden from many 'muggles'.

Due to the immense success of the eight Potter parts, film studio Warner Bros. looking for a new way to continue the series. Rowling came up with the idea to write a film series based on the adventures of Scamander and also take into account the rise and fall of Voldemort's predecessor Grindelwald. Three films eventually became five. The second part, The Crimes of Grindelwald , published in 2018, was quite disappointing due to its length and directionless plot. And then there was an issue surrounding the loose hands of Johnny Depp, who had to relinquish his role of Grindelwald to Mads Mikkelsen.

Part three, as the title suggests, largely revolves around Dumbledore, who is played by Jude Law in his younger years. The wizarding world is at a major turning point when a new leader of the International Wizarding Association must be elected. Outgoing leader Vogel thinks he has found two excellent candidates in the Brazilian and Chinese Ministers of Magic, when Grindelwald also applies for the post. Dumbledore and Grindelwald share a troubled and emotional past, but they also swear a blood oath that prevents them from harming each other.

However, Grindelwald plans to take over the wizarding world and is working hard to win souls for it. He has managed to get his hands on an extremely rare qilin, an Eastern mythical creature with special gifts. Not only can you see the future in the blood of the being, but a living qilin is able to point out the candidate who has a pure, honest soul. Newt is sent on a mission by Dumbledore with his brother and other friends, in which a confrontation with Grindelwald will be inevitable.

The eleventh film in Rowling's universe is dark and even gloomy at times because of the hidden subtext. Without mentioning it, a strong parallel is drawn between the rise of Grindelwald in the 1930s and the rise of Adolf Hitler. There is no mention of Nazis, but it is clear that Grindelwald has fascist tendencies. It is a villain who works more delicately and refined than his later successor Voldemort. With his charms and patience, he seems less straightforward, but it is obvious that he ruthlessly removes everything and everyone who stands in his way.

The recasting of Mikkelsen turns out to be a golden opportunity. The Dane is more understated, more subtle and doesn't use Depp's crafted mannerisms. His interactions with Law are especially exciting from the start, due to the various kinds of tension that hangs between the two wizards. Eddie Redmayne is once again a charming appearance as Scamander, but his character seems to be increasingly pushed to the sidelines. The sequences in which his magical animals are taken out of the stable, unlike the previous part, serve the story. It certainly provides both comical and nail-biting scenes during a liberation attempt.

It is also a strong move that with the script she co-wrote with Potter veteran Steve Kloves, Rowling is increasingly working towards the wizarding world and the Hogwarts that we already know from the earlier films. For example, the characters visit the wizarding school several times and we see a young Minerva McConagall again. The Secrets of Dumbledore especially excels in complex, ambiguous characters. Ezra Miller impresses as androgynous Snape-lookalike Credence who must choose between loyalty to Grindelwald and his family. Queenie Goldstein is also increasingly doubting her switch to the 'dark side' if her great love Jacob Kowalski keeps knocking on her door.

The Secrets of Dumbledoremakes some bold choices. Rowling finally puts his words into action. She has mentioned several times in the media that Dumbledore is gay. The filmmakers could have easily ignored it, but this time it's crystal clear from the opening scene that he and Grindelwald share a love story. No, this isn't a forced woke convulsion, but a much-needed step toward diversity and inclusivity in a mainstream Hollywood production.