Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) is the third installment in the “Fantastic Beasts” series, set within the Wizarding World created by J.K. Rowling. Directed by David Yates, the film continues the story of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) as he becomes entangled in the rising conflict between Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) and Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen). While it attempts to build on the narrative threads of its predecessors, The Secrets of Dumbledore is a complex and somewhat uneven entry in the franchise.
At the heart of the film is the long-awaited exploration of the relationship between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald. Fans of the Harry Potter books and films have long known about their connection, but The Secrets of Dumbledore delves into their shared past, their ideological differences, and the emotional weight of their bond. Jude Law portrays Dumbledore with quiet intensity, capturing both the brilliance and the deep regrets of the character. Mads Mikkelsen, who replaces Johnny Depp as Grindelwald, brings a subtler, more nuanced take on the dark wizard. Mikkelsen’s Grindelwald is menacing but also magnetic, making it easier to understand why so many would follow him.
The film opens with a strong sense of tension and political intrigue. Grindelwald’s ambitions have grown, and he seeks to seize control of the wizarding world by manipulating the upcoming election for the position of Supreme Mugwump. His goal is to establish a world where wizards rule over non-magical people, and he is willing to use any means necessary to achieve this. The stakes are high, and Dumbledore, bound by a blood pact that prevents him from directly opposing Grindelwald, must rely on others to thwart his plans.
Newt Scamander, who has always been positioned as the protagonist of the Fantastic Beasts series, finds himself once again playing a central role in Dumbledore’s efforts to stop Grindelwald. Redmayne’s performance is as endearing as ever, with Newt’s awkward charm and genuine love for magical creatures shining through. However, one of the film’s challenges is balancing Newt’s personal story with the larger political and emotional stakes of the Dumbledore-Grindelwald conflict. As a result, Newt sometimes feels sidelined in his own movie, particularly as the plot becomes more focused on Dumbledore’s struggle.
The supporting cast also plays a significant role in the story. Dan Fogler returns as Jacob Kowalski, the lovable No-Maj (Muggle) baker who provides much-needed levity amidst the darker elements of the film. Jacob’s unshakable love for Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol), who has aligned herself with Grindelwald, adds emotional depth to the narrative. Their relationship, which was a highlight in the previous films, takes on new dimensions here as Queenie grapples with the consequences of her choices.
Jessica Williams shines as Professor Eulalie Hicks, a new character who proves to be a valuable ally to Newt and Dumbledore. Her charisma and determination add fresh energy to the ensemble, though her character could have benefited from more development. Callum Turner also returns as Newt’s brother, Theseus Scamander, and while his relationship with Newt is explored further, it still feels somewhat undercooked compared to the film’s central themes.
Visually, The Secrets of Dumbledore is a feast for the eyes. The film takes viewers to new and familiar locations, from the streets of Berlin to the towering peaks of Bhutan. The production design, led by Stuart Craig, continues to impress, and the attention to detail in creating the world of wizards and magical creatures is commendable. The visual effects team deserves credit for bringing the various magical creatures to life, particularly the qilin, a key creature in the film’s plot. The qilin, with its ethereal presence and ability to sense purity of heart, is not only a visual marvel but also serves as a narrative device that influences the course of the wizarding election.
One of the film’s strengths is its exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas facing its characters. Dumbledore’s reluctance to confront Grindelwald head-on is not just due to the blood pact but also because of the emotional complexity of their relationship. The film grapples with the idea of love and power, and how the two can be intertwined in dangerous ways. Grindelwald’s manipulation of Queenie and Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) highlights his ability to exploit the vulnerabilities of those who feel lost or powerless. Credence’s journey, in particular, continues to be a tragic one, as he seeks answers about his true identity and place in the world. While the revelation about Credence’s heritage was set up in the previous film, The Secrets of Dumbledore offers a more concrete resolution, though it may not satisfy all viewers.
However, despite its many strengths, The Secrets of Dumbledore suffers from some significant flaws. The pacing of the film is uneven, with certain plotlines feeling rushed while others drag on longer than necessary. The film attempts to juggle multiple storylines, and as a result, some characters and arcs receive less attention than they deserve. For instance, Queenie’s internal struggle after joining Grindelwald’s cause could have been more fully explored, as her decision was one of the most shocking moments in The Crimes of Grindelwald. Additionally, some fans may feel that Newt’s role has been diminished, as the film shifts focus to Dumbledore and Grindelwald.
The film’s political commentary is another area that may divide audiences. Grindelwald’s rise to power and his rhetoric about superiority and dominance clearly draw parallels to real-world fascism and authoritarianism. While the Wizarding World has always reflected aspects of our society, The Secrets of Dumbledore leans more heavily into these themes, which may feel either timely or heavy-handed, depending on the viewer’s perspective.
James Newton Howard’s score is another highlight of the film. The music seamlessly blends the whimsical and the ominous, echoing the tonal shifts of the narrative. Howard incorporates familiar motifs from the Harry Potter series, evoking nostalgia for long-time fans, while also introducing new themes that enhance the emotional weight of the film. The score is particularly effective during moments of tension and introspection, elevating scenes that might otherwise feel flat.
The film’s climax, set during the wizarding election, is visually stunning but lacks the emotional impact that one might expect given the build-up. The resolution of the blood pact between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, while significant, is somewhat anticlimactic, as it feels rushed and underexplained. Still, the final confrontation between Dumbledore and Grindelwald is filled with emotional resonance, as both characters acknowledge the deep connection that once united them and the irreparable rift that now divides them.
Overall, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is an ambitious film that attempts to balance the intimate with the epic. It offers rich character moments, particularly for Dumbledore and Grindelwald, but struggles with pacing and narrative focus. The film succeeds in expanding the Wizarding World and providing some long-awaited answers, but it may not fully satisfy all fans of the franchise. Those who have been invested in the Dumbledore-Grindelwald storyline will likely appreciate the emotional depth and complexity of their relationship, while others may find themselves longing for the more straightforward adventure of the first Fantastic Beasts film.