Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Revisiting a world of mythology and unbridled wizardry, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is the highly anticipated third feature in this film series adapted from a screenplay by JK Rowling and Steve Kloves. Set in the 1930s, the storyline revives some of the previous characters and leads the Wizardry World cast through fantasy landscapes and troubling times as they approach the harrowing lead up to World War II.

With Jude Law reprising the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore, the charismatic actor shifts into a melancholic reverie for parts of this third instalment. He’s heavily weighed down by the tempestuous and intimate past he once had with Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) and acutely aware that their previous blood troth prevents them from entering into battle against one another. Newcomer Mikkelsen perfects the sinister aura of Grindelwald as he rises to power. Replacing Johnny Depp as this franchise moves forward, his chiselled cheekbones and steely glass stare bring an added depth of evil to his debut role as he delivers the lines from his villainous script.

Unable to destroy Grindelwald himself, Dumbledore entrusts magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) with the task. Given the shy and self-effacing nature of Redmayne’s character, it’s no surprise he needs to gather up an ensemble cast of wand-wielding witches, warlocks and a muggle baker to bulk out his sappy presence on his mission. As their intrepid adventure leads them through Germany, China and a grand finale in Bhutan, the beautiful cinematography from George Richmond takes centre stage, and with Peter Yates directing once more, the vision which the author set out with feels very present again.

Various sub-plots unfold around the core story with the likeable baker Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) reuniting with Queenie (Alison Sudol) and Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) hearing some family truths. There’s a lot to absorb in one sitting and for that, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is a truly epic feature. It literally bursts at the seams with its detailed and abundant narrative, flock of fictional animals and emotional threads. It’s a feast for the senses where fans of Rowling’s work definitely won’t be left disappointed.

Ezelle Alblas

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is released nationwide on 8^th April 2022.

Watch the trailer for Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore here: