Review: Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)

A Magical Yet Uneven Entry in the Wizarding World Saga

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022), directed by David Yates and written by J.K. Rowling, is the third installment in the Fantastic Beasts prequel series, set within the broader Wizarding World universe. The film continues the tale of the wizarding world’s struggle against the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen), with Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) leading the fight alongside Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his band of loyal companions. While the film offers some magical moments, stunning visuals, and character-driven intrigue, it also struggles with pacing issues, inconsistent tone, and a complex narrative that may leave some viewers feeling disconnected from the core plot.

Plot Overview

The film picks up after the events of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), with Grindelwald’s rise to power threatening the stability of the wizarding world. Albus Dumbledore, knowing that he cannot directly confront Grindelwald due to a blood pact they made in their youth, assembles a group of allies to thwart Grindelwald’s plans.

Newt Scamander, along with his brother Theseus (Callum Turner), the muggle Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), and Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol), embarks on a mission to stop Grindelwald from gaining power. The story takes them across the globe, from the wizarding schools in Bhutan to a climactic battle at a political event in Berlin. Along the way, Dumbledore’s past and his complex relationship with Grindelwald are further explored, revealing key secrets that illuminate both their rivalry and the deep bond they once shared.

The film dives deeper into the political intrigue surrounding the magical world, with Dumbledore’s involvement in wizarding politics and the impending elections for the position of Supreme Mugwump. The stakes rise as the characters navigate both magical and personal challenges, with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and destiny driving much of the narrative.

The Good: Strong Performances and Visual Spectacle

1. Strong Performances, Particularly from Jude Law and Mads Mikkelsen
One of the film’s standout elements is the acting, especially from its lead performers. Jude Law continues to shine as Albus Dumbledore, embodying both the wisdom and vulnerability of the iconic wizard. Law’s portrayal of Dumbledore feels nuanced, with moments of internal conflict that showcase the character’s complexity. His relationship with Grindelwald, which oscillates between love, friendship, and rivalry, remains one of the film’s most intriguing aspects.

Mads Mikkelsen, stepping in for Johnny Depp as Grindelwald, gives a more restrained yet captivating performance. Mikkelsen brings a chilling calmness to the role, presenting Grindelwald as a more calculating and sinister figure compared to Depp’s more flamboyant interpretation. His portrayal adds a layer of depth to the villain, making him less overtly theatrical but more threatening in his calm, manipulative demeanor.

Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander remains charming and likable, bringing his unique blend of awkwardness and earnestness to the character. Newt’s compassion and unwavering dedication to protecting magical creatures provide a strong emotional anchor for the film. Redmayne’s chemistry with his fellow actors, particularly with Dan Fogler’s Jacob, is another highlight, providing moments of warmth and humor amid the film’s darker tones.

2. Stunning Visuals and Magical Worldbuilding
As expected from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, The Secrets of Dumbledore delivers a visual spectacle. The magical world continues to be beautifully realized, with lush landscapes, intricate magical creatures, and stunning special effects that bring the wizarding world to life. The film’s set pieces, including the fantastical creatures Newt and his team encounter, are visually impressive and filled with wonder.

The film also delves deeper into the lore of the wizarding world, providing more insight into the politics of the magical community. The sequence at the international wizarding conference is a particularly striking example of the grandeur and complexity of the wizarding world, showcasing its intricate bureaucracy and the political challenges the characters face.

3. Thematic Exploration of Identity and Power
The film delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and power, particularly through the lens of Dumbledore’s past and his strained relationship with Grindelwald. The exploration of their shared history, their differing views on magic, and the impact of their bond on both their fates adds emotional weight to the story. The idea of using power for good versus evil is central to the narrative, with Grindelwald’s dangerous vision of magical superiority contrasted against Dumbledore’s more compassionate approach.

Additionally, the film examines the personal growth of characters like Newt and Jacob, whose relationships continue to evolve. Their connection with each other and with the magical creatures they protect serves as a grounding force in a film that often explores grander political and magical stakes.

The Weaknesses: Pacing and Plot Incoherence

1. Uneven Pacing and Overstuffed Plot
One of the major criticisms of The Secrets of Dumbledore is its uneven pacing. The film feels bloated at times, with subplots that are introduced but not fully developed. The political intrigue surrounding the election of the Supreme Mugwump and the multiple locations the characters visit often detract from the main narrative, resulting in moments that feel either rushed or underexplored.

The middle portion of the film drags, as the story lingers on secondary characters and side missions, while the central conflict with Grindelwald and Dumbledore takes a backseat. This lack of focus weakens the overall narrative, making it harder for viewers to stay engaged with the story.

2. Confusing Narrative and Lack of Character Development for Side Characters
While the core characters receive adequate attention, many of the supporting characters, particularly Queenie and Theseus, are underdeveloped. Queenie’s character arc, in particular, feels rushed, with her motivations unclear and her shift in allegiance feeling abrupt. Theseus, who had a more prominent role in previous films, is sidelined here, and his storyline does not receive the depth it deserves. This leaves some viewers feeling disconnected from the emotional stakes of the film.

Additionally, while the film offers more insight into Dumbledore’s past, there are still gaps in the storytelling, leaving some questions about the characters’ motivations and decisions unanswered. The film occasionally leans too heavily on exposition and flashbacks, rather than allowing the story to unfold organically, which detracts from the emotional impact.

3. Missed Opportunities for Deeper Exploration of Grindelwald
Despite Mads Mikkelsen’s strong performance, the film does not fully explore the character of Grindelwald. His motivations, while hinted at, remain somewhat unclear, and the film doesn’t delve deeply enough into why he believes his vision of magical supremacy is justified. His ideological clash with Dumbledore, though important, is not given the depth and weight that one might expect for such a significant character in the wizarding world.

Final Thoughts

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is a film that, while visually stunning and rich in magical worldbuilding, struggles with pacing issues and an overcomplicated plot. The film’s strength lies in its performances, particularly from Jude Law and Mads Mikkelsen, and its exploration of the emotional and moral stakes of the wizarding world. However, its uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters, especially the supporting cast, prevent it from fully realizing its potential.

While The Secrets of Dumbledore adds to the overarching narrative of the Fantastic Beasts series and provides some intriguing developments in the wizarding world, it ultimately feels like an incomplete chapter in a larger saga. It leaves viewers with more questions than answers, making it clear that the series still has a long way to go before reaching its conclusion.

Rating: 6.5/10

A visually captivating but narratively uneven installment in the Fantastic Beasts saga, The Secrets of Dumbledore provides some intriguing character moments and worldbuilding but struggles to maintain focus and deliver a satisfying, cohesive story.