Dominicsage 
I have to admit, when I first heard about Fantastic Beasts, I was cautiously excited. I mean, how do you top Harry Potter? That world had been such a huge part of my life—those midnight book releases, growing up with the characters, waiting for each movie to come out. It felt like it all wrapped up with a neat little bow after Deathly Hallows. So, the idea of revisiting the magical universe, but with new characters and set decades before Harry was even born? I was intrigued, but a bit nervous.
Fantastic Beasts review
Then I sat down to watch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and let me tell you, it felt like coming home in the best possible way.
The film’s opening sequence, with its sweeping shots of 1920s New York, immediately pulled me in. The city buzzed with energy, and I couldn’t help but think how different this magical world was compared to Hogwarts. But there was still that familiar feeling—the twinkle of magic in the air, the sense that anything could happen, and that, more importantly, I was going along for the ride.
At the heart of it all is Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne, and he’s a quirky little thing, isn’t he? I mean, here’s this guy, an introverted, awkward magizoologist who seems more comfortable around magical creatures than people. Watching him felt like watching someone who lives in his own world, but in a way that’s so endearing. I immediately connected with him. There’s something so charming about his love for these misunderstood creatures—animals that the wizarding world either doesn’t notice or actively fears. It reminded me of my own childhood obsession with rescuing stray kittens, even if my mom wasn’t as thrilled as Newt about all the “beasts” I brought home.
What really struck me was how the film didn’t just rely on nostalgia or rehash old magic tricks. Sure, there are wands, spells, and that familiar wizarding flare, but it’s not trying to be another Harry Potter. Instead, it’s its own story. The creatures themselves are fantastic, both literally and figuratively. There’s the adorable Niffler, who, let’s be honest, kind of steals the show with his cheeky, treasure-hoarding ways. I mean, I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud as he snuck shiny objects into his pouch. The whole thing reminded me of when my dog would “borrow” socks and hoard them in her bed, thinking she was being sneaky.
But then, there’s also a darker side to the film that caught me off guard in the best way. Beneath all the magical fun and Newt’s creature-filled suitcase (which, by the way, I’d love to own!), there’s a deeper story about acceptance and fear. The tension between wizards and No-Majs (what Americans call Muggles) feels eerily reflective of real-world divisions. There’s this undercurrent of mistrust, misunderstanding, and, well, fear of the “other”—a theme that always feels timely, no matter what era you’re in. Fantastic Beasts review
The relationship between Newt and the other characters, especially Jacob, the No-Maj baker, is just gold. Jacob is basically us—an ordinary person suddenly thrown into this extraordinary world. And his reaction? Pure joy and awe. His wide-eyed excitement felt so relatable. I was right there with him, amazed by this world, and let’s be honest, wishing I could dive in and explore it, too. The friendship that develops between him and Newt is sweet, with a kind of innocence that’s refreshing. It’s like watching two completely different people bond over shared wonder.
And then there’s Queenie, who has this magical, almost dreamlike quality about her. She’s bubbly, light, and yet, there’s this deeper intelligence to her that makes her fascinating. I found myself wishing I could hang out in her kitchen, eating pastries, talking about everything and nothing.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a magical film without some danger, and Fantastic Beasts does ramp up the tension with the darker forces at play. Credence’s story? That hit me hard. He’s this kid who’s been suppressed for so long, dealing with trauma, and it’s like the more he’s pushed down, the more powerful—and dangerous—he becomes. It’s a haunting reminder of what happens when fear and repression take over.
The villain? Well, I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say, there’s a twist that had me doing a double take. It was one of those moments where I thought I had things figured out, only to be completely blindsided. Those are always the best kinds of twists, aren’t they? Fantastic Beasts review
What I loved most about Fantastic Beasts was how good-natured it felt. Even with the darker themes, it’s still a story about hope, kindness, and the belief that magical creatures—and people—deserve understanding, not fear. It’s an adventure, but it’s also a gentle reminder that the world is filled with wonder, and it’s worth protecting.
Leaving the theater, I felt that familiar magical buzz, the same one I used to feel after a Harry Potter movie. It didn’t try to be Harry Potter—it carved its own path, and in doing so, it felt fresh, exciting, and full of heart. So, if you’re up for a bit of magic, some fantastic creatures, and a story that’s equal parts fun and emotional, give Fantastic Beasts a whirl. You won’t regret it.
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