At the time when the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was widely announced, Harry Potter fans around the world expressed various degrees of skepticism and concern about whether this would simply be a “copycat” film that could not surpass the gigantic shadow left by Harry Potter in the hearts of the audience. However, the reality is that Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has brought a fresh and immersive experience for viewers, and it is certain that this experience has aspects that are distinct and different from Harry Potter in many ways.
Before delving deep into the analysis of this film’s unique story, allow me to shorten its title to simply Fantastic Beasts for the sake of convenience. As you can see, the lengthy title of the film echoes the textbook that Harry Potter once studied, and it also reflects the essence of the film where the titular character is significantly different from the characters in the Harry Potter series.
In the film, viewers will follow the journey of the eccentric wizard Newt Scamander (played by Eddie Redmayne) to New York City. Here, a series of events unfold, revealing the quiet life of the city’s magical community along with the secrets surrounding the wizarding world. Newt, along with his magical creatures that he keeps in his suitcase, must navigate various challenges that arise throughout his adventure. Together with his companion, the talented witch Porpentina Goldstein and the Muggle Jacob Kowalski, Newt must find a way to exonerate the magical creatures he carries.
If Harry Potter once left a strong impression on audiences by creating a magical world that is both enchanting and surprising, Fantastic Beasts offers a different kind of experience. The film tends to focus more on the magical creatures than the intricacies of wizardry itself.
The journey of Newt unfolds quite rapidly with a series of quick-paced events, pulling viewers from one surprise to another. You will undoubtedly be captivated when you see the magical creatures that this quirky wizard has to interact with, as well as the chaotic scenarios that ensue during his adventures. The film provides a unique insight into the magical community, showcasing Newt’s extraordinary talent in caring for these remarkable creatures.
Despite introducing many surprises, it should be noted that some elements in the film still lack strong connections, which may lead viewers to feel that the film is somewhat disjointed at times.
The character of Newt Scamander is quite well portrayed by the talented Eddie Redmayne. We witness a wizard who is shy but deeply compassionate, different from others, and Eddie Redmayne’s performance is very fitting for this character, reminiscent of his outstanding role in The Danish Girl.
Accompanying Newt in his journey are the witch Porpentina Goldstein and Muggle Jacob Kowalski, who contribute to creating humorous moments. Dan Fogler’s portrayal of Kowalski is commendable as he brings a lot of comedic elements to the screen. However, Porpentina Goldstein, played by Katherine Waterston, does not leave a strong impression, lacking the depth that could resonate with viewers.
Other characters also do not get much screen time, and these characters do not have strong connections with each other. It is also difficult to overlook the fact that the film is titled Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, leading audiences to focus more on the magical creatures rather than the wizards who accompany them.
One notable point I want to highlight about the cast is the appearance of Johnny Depp as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. While I find this character’s portrayal intriguing, the way Grindelwald is introduced in the film feels somewhat forced, and the character’s development seems random and not very fitting for Johnny Depp. This character has been the subject of much discussion, so we will have to wait for the next installment to see if he truly fits this dark wizard role.
As mentioned earlier, the film revolves around magical creatures, and the visual representation of these creatures is a fundamental element that must be emphasized. The dazzling cinematography combined with rich soundtracks helps elevate the film’s magical essence. However, viewers may still perceive a hint of British culture intertwined beautifully, presenting a unique backdrop that is distinctly different from the bustling New York City we are familiar with.
The visual effects, combined with the epic soundtrack, enhance the magical experiences of the creatures that appear throughout the film. The high-paced sequences during Newt’s adventures are interspersed with delightful sound effects that elevate the emotions of viewers, but these moments are often overshadowed by humorous situations.
In summary, while Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them does not craft a particularly profound story, it opens up new avenues for viewers. The film’s comedic essence stands out distinctly and differently from Harry Potter. This may indeed be the key that allows Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them to draw closer to a wider audience when it officially premieres.
