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Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Name: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Director: David Yates
Released: 2018
Duration: 134 min

Representation Score

9.1/10

Excellent

2018

PG-13

Director

David Yates

Runtime

134 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by using subtext and complex character histories to challenge traditional social structures. By framing the central conflict as a struggle against systemic norms, it transcends typical adventure narratives. While the world-building is intricate, the portrayal of disability remains somewhat tied to character suffering for narrative tension. The racial diversity, though present, still adheres to Western fantasy norms. Overall, the work centers characters on the margins of traditional society, offering a nuanced look at power and identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film uses the bond between Dumbledore and Grindelwald to explore themes of identity and desire. Queenie Goldstein also delves into her own sense of identity and desire, challenging societal norms.

How does Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald portray gender?

Good

Female characters such as Tina Goldstein play key roles as skilled Aurors, showing strong professional ability to act. The narrative avoids traditional submissive roles, positioning women as central figures in the wizarding world's politics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald?

Good

A diverse cast representing various cultures enhances the film's European setting. Characters like Queenie Goldstein bring multi-layered depth to a traditionally Eurocentric fantasy world.

How does Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques restrictive institutions like the International Statute of Secrecy. It also portrays parental structures as sources of trauma, challenging traditional family dynamics.

Does Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald include disability representation?

Fair

The film touches on neurodivergent behaviors and psychological trauma through Credence. However, these elements sometimes rely on character suffering as a plot device rather than a deep exploration of disability.

Present on Screen

Sophisticated use of queer coding through the Dumbledore-Grindelwald relationship.
Strong women's ability to drive the story, especially through Tina Goldstein's role as a skilled Auror.
Effective critique of institutional power and restrictive systemic norms.

Limited or Absent

Disability representation occasionally relies on character suffering as a mere plot device.
Racial diversity remains somewhat constrained by Western fantasy norms.
Neurodivergent traits are present but lack fully realized exploration.

Official Synopsis

Gellert Grindelwald has escaped imprisonment and has begun gathering followers to his cause—elevating wizards above all non-magical beings. The only one capable of putting a stop to him is the wizard he once called his closest friend, Albus Dumbledore. However, Dumbledore will need to seek help from the wizard who had thwarted Grindelwald once before, his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

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