Geekscape Movie Reviews: ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’

With a darkness at its heart that even Harry Potter didn’t see, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an exciting, lush plunge back into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. The story, unlike anything we’ve ever seen from Rowling, and despite its sometimes grim tone, is a true delight to behold.

In 1926, magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) stops in New York City to see a breeder of exotic creatures, but is waylaid when a No-Maj (North American wizards’ word for non-magical folk) accidentally picks up his case full of magical beasts. Obviously, it doesn’t take long for a number of the creatures to escape, adding a little extra chaos to a city already terrified of a malevolent force literally tearing its streets and buildings apart. Newt and the No-Maj, Jakob (Dan Fogler), set out to recapture the creatures, which include an invisible ape (otherwise known as a Demiguise), and an enormous, explosive rhinoceros (Erumpent). They’re given aid and shelter by two sisters, Porpentina and Queenie Goldstein (Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol), and it isn’t long before the group face dangers they never expected.

Played by the utterly charming Redmayne, Newt isn’t an extraordinary man, and is certainly not a Chosen One. More akin to Harry Potter’s best friend Ron than to Potter himself, he is a refreshing, modest screen hero amongst a slew of post-apocalyptic rebels (with his unique, unassuming performance, I couldn’t help but wonder what Redmayne could have done in the titular role of the main Potter series). As former magical law enforcement officer, Waterston’s Tina is brittle – her confidence left her some time ago, and we’re left to ponder what happened in her past to dull her light. Scene-stealers Fogler and Sudol shine as Jakob and Queenie. He’s wide-eyed and full of wonder at every new surprise the Wizarding World throws at him, while she is wholly enchanting as Tina’s psychic sister. At once motherly and flirtatious, Sudol’s beguiling smile will surely bewitch you, just as it does – well, I don’t want to spoil you.

Unlike the original Potter films, Fantastic Beasts allows more time for wonderment at the pure magic of its world. Through the eyes of Jakob, we’re allowed generous stretches of time to soak in what we’re seeing, and the sheer unrealness of this new reality. And those breathers are needed, as director David Yates takes the film to some undeniably grim places. In the politically turbulent climate into which it is released, Fantastic Beasts hauntingly echoes our own world; politicians who dodge accountability, corrupt law enforcement, hate groups masquerading as religion, and mistreated outsiders trying desperately to find a way into the fold. Rowling’s script doesn’t pull any punches as it pushes you headfirst into a scarier, and altogether more industrial Wizarding World than the safe haven of Hogwarts.

The film is dense, with several action lines chugging along at once, so one can imagine that it would richly reward repeat viewings. First time around, however, you’d best strap yourself in for your long-awaited return to this most beloved of fantasy worlds.