In the sequel to the visual masterpiece, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, J.K. Rowling has written and produced an even more impressive and illustratively striking film in The Crimes of Grindelwald. From start to finish, the movie keeps the audience hooked from beginning to end. Creatures new and old create eye-catching displays and provide comic relief in an otherwise dark story.

The complexity of the relationships between the characters is portrayed impeccably by the cast, especially in the complicated sibling relationship between Newt and Theseus Scamander. Most heartbreaking, though, was the severing of several integral bonds between the main characters of the film. On the other hand, two particular relationships were established, both of which regard our beloved Professor Dumbledore, and came quite unexpectedly.

One downside of the film comes from the lack of development in the substory of Nagini, who returns from the world of Harry Potter and is revealed to be a Maledictus (a carrier of a blood curse). Unfortunately, the character is quite static and marginalized in the film, but it’s clear that the backstory will develop in the next installment, set to be released in 2020. As a whole, the film is an adventure that can’t be missed, and to further the excitement, features many cameo appearances: a young Minerva McGonagall, a Philosopher’s Stone, and a certain feathered friend…

4.5 out of 5 stars