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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Name: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Director: David Yates
Released: 2016
Duration: 133 min

Representation Score

8.9/10

Excellent

2016

PG-13

Director

David Yates

Runtime

133 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film disrupts historical norms by focusing on characters who balance personal identity with institutional pressures. It avoids many period-piece clichés by emphasizing women's professional competence and independence. However, much of the social commentary is conveyed through metaphors, making the message sometimes subtle. Ultimately, the film uses its magical world to explore themes of systemic oppression and individual freedom.

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Category Breakdown

Does Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

Queenie Goldstein's emotional depth and sensitivity challenge the social norms of the 1920s. Although her romantic storyline is conventional, her character's complexity allows for nuanced readings about non-straight identities.

How does Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them portray gender?

Good

Tina Goldstein defies the typical 1920s stereotypes by being a highly skilled and career-focused Auror. Her active role in the investigation highlights her professional competence and independence, rather than traditional feminine roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?

Good

The film includes a variety of ethnic backgrounds within the magical community, creating a more inclusive and globally representative fantasy world.

How does Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques strict institutions like MACUSA by highlighting the tensions within these systems. It also examines the economic disparities between the magical elite and the No-Maj working class.

Does Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them include disability representation?

Good

The Obscurus symbolizes neurodivergence and the psychological effects of repression. The film treats this element seriously, rather than just as a plot device.

Present on Screen

Tina Goldstein's strong, professional role as an Auror.
The Obscurus as a meaningful metaphor for psychological trauma.
A diverse cast that avoids a purely Anglo-centric portrayal of the 1920s.

Limited or Absent

More direct representation of non-straight identities.
Using more overt representations for certain social themes.

Official Synopsis

In 1926, Newt Scamander arrives at the Magical Congress of the United States of America with a magically expanded briefcase, which houses a number of dangerous creatures and their habitats. When the creatures escape from the briefcase, it sends the American wizarding authorities after Newt, and threatens to strain even further the state of magical and non-magical relations.

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