Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022): A Visually Impressive Adventure with Lingering Questions
The third installment of the Fantastic Beasts series, "The Secrets of Dumbledore," continues the prequel saga of the wizarding world before Harry Potter's time at Hogwarts. Directed by David Yates and co-written by JK Rowling and Steve Kloves, the film showcases Eddie Redmayne's eccentric portrayal of the magizoologist Newt Scamander, who becomes increasingly Dickensian in his appearance.
Visually stunning and filled with impressive production design and visual effects, especially in the New York scenes, "The Secrets of Dumbledore" is an amiable and lovely-looking fantasy adventure. However, it feels more like a compilation of new narrative components introduced to the franchise rather than a story centered on "secrets." Nevertheless, the film raises intriguing questions about its approach to the existing Harry Potter timeline.
Mads Mikkelsen takes over the role of Gellert Grindelwald, replacing the controversial Johnny Depp. Grindelwald, once closely associated with Albus Dumbledore (played by Jude Law), is portrayed with subtlety and insidiousness by Mikkelsen. The film delves into 1930s Europe and Weimar Berlin, with Grindelwald imprisoned but planning to gain absolute control of the wizarding world upon his release, employing democratic means if convenient.
Newt and Grindelwald each possess a crucial fantastic beast that will play a significant role in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, Dumbledore assembles a new team to thwart Grindelwald's malevolent strategy of waging war against non-magical beings and seizing control of the wizarding world.
Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), the lovable no-maj (muggle) New York baker, remains heartbroken over Queenie Goldstein's (Alison Sudol) alignment with Grindelwald. Newt's capable and composed brother, Theseus (Callum Turner), adds to the dynamic ensemble, along with the intellectually sharp Professor Lally Hicks (Jessica Williams), wizard Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam), and Newt's infatuated assistant, Bunty Broadacre (Victoria Yeates). The film delves deeper into Dumbledore's personal life and his connection to the troubled Credence (Ezra Miller).
The exploration of Dumbledore's gay identity and its impact on the older, more homophobic generation is a central theme. The opening dialogue scene establishes Dumbledore's relationship with Grindelwald, characterized by emotional restraint and a sense of past pain and ecstasy. Memorable scenes include an Indiana Jones-esque sequence where Newt must rescue his brother from a grim cave guarded by a formidable warder. Both Newt and Theseus perform a silly hip-wiggling dance to mesmerize the creatures infesting the cave.
The film hints at the overwhelming evil of fascism and the impending world war, but the franchise storytelling style, with its suspended resolutions, may hinder a deeper impact. Additionally, the looming presence of the Potter world raises questions, such as the potential appearance of Harry's parents. While we encounter young versions of famous Hogwarts teachers, the timeline suggests they would be around 100 years old during Harry's era in the late 20th century, raising pedantic concerns about magical preservation of youth.
Regarding Grindelwald's significance and evilness compared to Voldemort, Rowling likely has a comprehensive plan. Overall, "The Secrets of Dumbledore" offers good-natured entertainment, although its narrative feels somewhat weightless and formless.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) - info
- Release date: 8 April 2022
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- Director: David Yates
- Writer: J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves
- Stars: Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Ezra Miller