Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is the darkest and most controversial entry in the Wizarding World franchise. Directed by David Yates and written by J.K. Rowling, the film shifts the tone from magical adventure to political thriller, exploring power, manipulation, and identity. It is a movie that asks viewers to pay close attention, because almost every scene hides a secret.
Detailed Summary
Escape from MACUSA: Grindelwald on the Move
The film opens immediately after the first movie’s ending. Gellert Grindelwald, disguised as Percival Graves, escapes from MACUSA custody during a dramatic aerial carriage transport. This escape is not just an action scene—it establishes Grindelwald as a charismatic and terrifying strategist who values followers more than brute force.
Newt Scamander Caught in the Middle
Newt Scamander is banned from international travel by the British Ministry of Magic due to his involvement in Grindelwald’s capture. Despite this, he is pulled back into the conflict when Albus Dumbledore secretly asks for his help. Dumbledore cannot fight Grindelwald directly because of a mysterious blood pact between them.
Newt’s personal life becomes complicated as well. Tina Goldstein believes Newt is engaged to Leta Lestrange, a misunderstanding that emotionally drives several characters apart.
Paris and the Search for Credence
Most of the story takes place in Paris, where multiple factions are searching for Credence Barebone, now known as Aurelius Dumbledore. Grindelwald believes Credence’s immense Obscurial power can be weaponized. Tina wants to protect him. Newt wants to save him. Grindelwald wants to use him.
Leta Lestrange and the Burden of the Past
Leta’s storyline is one of guilt and trauma. Through flashbacks, we learn she accidentally caused the death of her baby brother by switching him with another child on a sinking ship. This tragedy haunts her and ties her directly to Credence’s mysterious origins.
Grindelwald’s Philosophy Revealed
Unlike Voldemort, Grindelwald does not rule through fear alone. He speaks of freedom, wizard supremacy, and preventing future wars. His speeches are persuasive, calm, and deeply unsettling. Many witches and wizards follow him not because they are evil, but because they are convinced.
Movie Ending
The climax takes place at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, where Grindelwald reveals himself publicly to gather followers. He shows terrifying visions of World War II, arguing that wizard intervention is necessary to prevent greater destruction. This moment is crucial because it reframes Grindelwald not as a madman, but as a dangerous idealist.
A massive magical confrontation erupts. Leta Lestrange sacrifices herself to stop Grindelwald’s destructive blue fire spell, redeeming herself in death and devastating Newt emotionally.
Grindelwald escapes yet again, but not without delivering the film’s most shocking revelation. He tells Credence that he is Aurelius Dumbledore, the long-lost brother of Albus Dumbledore. To prove it, Credence uses a phoenix—traditionally loyal only to Dumbledores.
The film ends with:
- Grindelwald successfully gaining followers
- Credence emotionally shattered but aligned with Grindelwald
- Dumbledore visibly heartbroken, holding the blood pact vial
- The Wizarding World on the brink of war
This ending intentionally leaves viewers questioning truth vs manipulation, especially regarding Credence’s identity.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. There are no mid-credits or post-credits scenes. The story ends definitively with Grindelwald’s revelation and does not include an additional teaser.
Type of Movie
This film is a dark fantasy drama blended with political thriller elements. It leans heavily into mystery, moral ambiguity, and long-term storytelling rather than standalone adventure.
Cast
- Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander
- Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald
- Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore
- Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein
- Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski
- Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein
- Ezra Miller as Credence Barebone
- Zoë Kravitz as Leta Lestrange
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by James Newton Howard, who returned from the first film. The music is noticeably darker, using heavier orchestration and ominous themes to reflect Grindelwald’s rising influence and the looming war.
Filming Locations
- Leavesden Studios (UK): Interior wizarding locations and Ministry sets
- Paris, France: Provided authenticity for the European wizarding world
- Highgate Cemetery (UK): Used as a visual reference for Père Lachaise
Paris plays a thematic role, representing cultural elegance hiding political unrest—mirroring Grindelwald’s movement.
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for Best Visual Effects at several technical award ceremonies
- Nominated for BAFTA Best Special Visual Effects
The film was praised for visuals but criticized for narrative complexity.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Johnny Depp was heavily protected by secrecy during filming due to controversy
- J.K. Rowling personally wrote extensive backstories not shown on screen
- Jude Law studied early versions of Dumbledore to avoid copying Michael Gambon
- Several scenes were cut to shorten complex subplots involving wizard politics
Inspirations and References
- European history leading up to World War II
- Themes of fascism and charismatic authoritarian leaders
- Classic Wizarding World lore expanded far beyond Hogwarts
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- A longer explanation of the blood pact was filmed but cut
- Queenie’s ideological shift originally had more gradual development
- Additional Leta–Newt scenes were removed for pacing
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is not adapted from an existing book, unlike the original Fantastic Beasts textbook. Instead, it is an original screenplay by J.K. Rowling. This resulted in a denser narrative and less exposition compared to traditional Harry Potter films.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Grindelwald’s escape from MACUSA
- Queenie crossing sides to join Grindelwald
- Leta’s sacrifice in the cemetery
- Grindelwald’s vision of World War II
Iconic Quotes
- “The world as we know it is coming undone.” – Grindelwald
- “I can’t move against Grindelwald. It would break the pact.” – Dumbledore
- “I want to be free.” – Queenie Goldstein
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Nicolas Flamel’s alchemy symbols match real-world alchemical texts
- The phoenix foreshadows future Dumbledore lore
- Grindelwald’s symbol subtly evolves toward the Deathly Hallows
Trivia
- This is the first Wizarding World film without Hogwarts
- The runtime is one of the longest in the franchise
- Several character arcs were designed to pay off only in later films
Why Watch?
Watch this film if you enjoy complex lore, morally gray villains, and long-form storytelling. It rewards attentive viewers and sets up one of the most ambitious arcs in Wizarding World history.
Director’s Other Works (Movies)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
