Featured image courtesy of Cinema XXI

By Rebecca Driker-Ohren ‘18

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, inspired by the “textbook” created by J.K. Rowling to accompany the Harry Potter series, is true to its name — fantastic. Not solely in the acting or plotline, nor the costumes or makeup, all of which are wonderful, but in the special effects. The “Fantastic Beasts” included creatures such as bowtruckles, thunderbirds, nifflers, and demiguise, all contributing to a vibrant, exciting film. Set in New York in 1926, Newt Scamander, portrayed by Eddie Redmayne, seeks a future in which all magical creatures are granted a lifestyle of freedom, and are valued for their unique qualities, as opposed to being feared for being different. This theme of equality follows current conversation in the United States, making the film very relevant to present-day events.

The film is excellent in presenting a magical, Harry Potter-esque world in the United States–one that does not include Harry Potter. It utilizes advanced special effects, striking costumes and makeup, and realistic scenery. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a fantastic, visually appealing, thought-provoking film appropriate for Muggles (or Non-Mags) wishing to educate themselves on magical history, or just simply wanting to see a nice film.