“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”, a prequel to the Harry Potter films set in New York City, debuted on Nov. 10. The film was directed by English filmmaker David Yates and stars Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston and Dan Fogler. Photo Fair Use of ComingSoon.net
By Valeria Garcia-Pozo – News Editor
Although “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a prequel to the Harry Potter franchise, the film is charming all on its own, providing dazzling visuals and excellent performances from its stars.
Set 70 years before Harry Potter’s enrollment at Hogwarts, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a prequel that centers on the adventures of wizard Newt Scamander when he visits New York in the 1920s.
The film, written by J.K. Rowling and directed by David Yates, premiered in the United States on Nov. 10.
The movie recounts wizard Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne)’s adventure to try and reclaim his creatures before any Muggles (in America, called No-Majs) encounter them. He is accompanied by ex-Auror Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) and her sister, Queenie (Alison Sudol).
These events take place after Scamander inadvertently trades his magical suitcase full of illegal creatures with a No-Maj named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler).
One such creature is an Obscurus, a destructive force that young children forced to suppress their powers absorb. As the Obscurus wreaks havoc on the city, the foursome must also identify its host and prove their innocence to the MACUSA, the American version of the Ministry of Magic.
The storyline of the film provides a glimpse into a different part of the magical universe established throughout the first eight Harry Potter films, as well as elaborates on the parallels between the magical and non-magical worlds and their interactions.
For this reason, it serves as an excellent political allegory in the form of a visually stunning, appealing and imaginative film that serves as appropriate fare for the whole family.
The introduction of the magical beasts leads viewers on a treasure hunt of sorts throughout a beautifully-designed 1920s New York City, and the introduction of the Obscurus serves to make the film suspenseful.
Harry Potter fans and those new to the franchise alike will find themselves delighted at the film.
