David Yates’ fantasy film “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” from 2016 is based on J.K. Rowling’s novel of the same name. The film, which is set in the magical realm of Harry Potter but takes place decades before his birth, follows Eddie Redmayne’s character, magizoologist Newt Scamander, as he travels to 1926 New York with a suitcase full of magical creatures. As some of his animals escape, Newt, a timid and quirky British magician, finds himself in hot water. The city is already tense because of growing hostilities between the magical and non-magical groups. His journey quickly becomes entwined with a deeper peril when an Obscurus, a malevolent entity, starts terrorizing New York and threatens to reveal the wizarding realm to the general public.
A varied cast of characters joins Newt in his quest to retrieve his escaped creatures: Tina Goldstein, a former Auror attempting to reclaim her place in the magical government; Jacob Kowalski, a No-Maj (non-magical person) who stumbles into Newt’s world; and Queenie, her mind-reading sister. They travel around New York’s covert magical society together, coming across strong magical creatures, anti-magic movements, and corrupt wizards. Along with being an action-packed fantasy, the movie also tells a story of acceptance and camaraderie as the protagonists become close through their common experiences and deal with social and personal obstacles.
The Harry Potter universe is broadened in “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” by delving into new locales, fantastical animals, and historical occurrences. The film effectively introduces viewers to a new era of the Wizarding World with its elaborate visual effects, fantastical creatures, and a narrative that combines humorous moments with darker, more nuanced themes. It also prepares the audience for a more significant struggle with Gellert Grindelwald, the evil wizard, whose ascent to prominence serves as a major plot point in the series’ later installments.
