Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) – Movie Review

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is the third installment in the Fantastic Beasts series, directed by David Yates, and written by J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves. This film picks up where The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) left off, further exploring the growing conflict between Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) and the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (now played by Mads Mikkelsen).

Plot Overview:

The movie centers around Albus Dumbledore’s efforts to stop Grindelwald’s rise to power as the latter seeks to manipulate the magical world to spark a war with the non-magical (Muggle) world. Unable to directly confront Grindelwald due to a blood pact they made as young men, Dumbledore enlists Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and a team of wizards, witches, and allies to thwart Grindelwald’s plans. The film follows this group as they attempt to disrupt Grindelwald’s scheme to become Supreme Mugwump, a political leader in the magical world.

Alongside the political intrigue and magical confrontations, the film delves into Dumbledore’s complicated past, especially his relationship with Grindelwald, adding emotional depth to the wizard who would later become the headmaster of Hogwarts.

Key Characters:

• Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law): Jude Law continues to excel as a younger, charismatic Dumbledore. In this film, more light is shed on his past relationship with Grindelwald, making the character more vulnerable and complex. Dumbledore’s struggle with the blood pact and his emotional connection to Grindelwald adds a layer of tension to his character arc.
• Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen): Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Grindelwald is subtler and more grounded compared to Johnny Depp’s version. His performance is colder and less flamboyant, but he brings a sense of menace and gravitas to the role, which works for the darker tone of the film.
• Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne): Newt remains the heart of the Fantastic Beasts series, and in The Secrets of Dumbledore, his loyalty and dedication to both his magical creatures and his friends are central to the story. Newt’s quirky and endearing personality continues to shine, though his role in this film is slightly overshadowed by the larger battle between Dumbledore and Grindelwald.
• Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler): Jacob, the lovable Muggle, continues to provide much-needed comic relief. His relationship with Queenie (Alison Sudol), who is still aligned with Grindelwald after joining his cause in the previous film, adds an emotional subplot to the movie.
• Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller): Credence’s storyline is developed further, as his true identity as Aurelius Dumbledore is revealed. His complicated relationship with Dumbledore and his own search for identity play a significant role in the film, although the pacing of his arc sometimes feels rushed.

Visuals and Special Effects:

As expected from a Fantastic Beasts movie, the visual effects are stunning. The magical creatures, spells, and world-building are rich in detail and imagination. From the picturesque landscapes of Bhutan to the hustle of 1930s Berlin, the movie delivers a visually captivating experience. The magical battles are well-choreographed, blending action with awe-inspiring effects, although some may feel there’s an over-reliance on CGI at times.

The movie’s fantastical creatures—an essential element of the series—are still a highlight, with Newt’s suitcase of magical animals providing moments of charm, humor, and excitement.

Themes:

• Love and Loyalty: A major theme of the film is Dumbledore’s love for Grindelwald and the impact it has on his choices. The emotional depth of their relationship is explored through their shared past, adding a layer of tragedy to their current conflict. Loyalty to one’s friends and beliefs is another central theme, whether it’s Newt’s loyalty to Dumbledore or Jacob’s loyalty to Queenie.
• Power and Corruption: Grindelwald’s political ambitions and his desire to seize control of the wizarding world are at the core of the film. His manipulation of both magical and non-magical populations to spark a war mirrors themes of authoritarianism and political corruption.
• Family and Redemption: The Dumbledore family’s complex history, particularly the strained relationship between Albus, his brother Aberforth, and Credence, is a key plot point. The film explores whether redemption is possible for characters who have committed past wrongs.

Strengths:

• Strong Performances: Jude Law and Mads Mikkelsen deliver excellent performances, grounding the film in their emotional conflict. Law brings warmth and wisdom to Dumbledore, while Mikkelsen adds an icy edge to Grindelwald, making their confrontation compelling.
• Engaging World-Building: The film expands the magical world, taking audiences to new locations and political systems within the wizarding world. The magical creatures and fantastic settings remain a highlight of the franchise.
• Emotional Depth: The exploration of Dumbledore’s past, including his connection to Grindelwald and his family, adds emotional weight to the story, giving fans a deeper understanding of one of the most enigmatic characters in the Harry Potter universe.

Weaknesses:

• Pacing Issues: At times, the film struggles with pacing, particularly when trying to balance its various subplots. Some scenes feel rushed or underdeveloped, especially regarding Credence’s arc and the political intrigue surrounding Grindelwald’s rise to power.
• Underused Characters: While Dumbledore and Grindelwald’s storylines are well-developed, other characters, like Newt and Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston), feel sidelined. Tina’s absence from much of the film is noticeable, and some of the supporting cast doesn’t get as much attention as they deserve.
• Plot Complexity: The plot can feel convoluted at times, especially for viewers who aren’t deeply familiar with the intricate backstory of the Fantastic Beasts series. The political aspects of the film, while interesting, may be difficult for casual viewers to follow.

Final Thoughts:

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging entry in the Fantastic Beasts series, though it is not without its flaws. Jude Law and Mads Mikkelsen’s performances elevate the film, adding gravitas to the central conflict between Dumbledore and Grindelwald. While the movie struggles with pacing and character development at times, it provides a satisfying continuation of the story for fans of the Wizarding World.

It’s a film that leans heavily on its emotional core—particularly the tragic love story between Dumbledore and Grindelwald—and for fans invested in the larger Harry Potter lore, it offers plenty of magical moments and reveals.

Suggested Video for You: For fans of magical, creature-filled adventures, check out Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009). It delves deeper into Dumbledore’s character and explores his backstory with a similarly dramatic tone and world-building richness.