Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
dir. David Yates · 2016
Feature
Cultural Dislocation
Mood
Whimsical / Adventurous
Look
lush, vibrant, and intricately detailed, blending period aesthetics with fantastical elements
Structure
episodic with interwoven character arcs
Plot
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.
Why watch
"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" invites viewers into a whimsical world where magical creatures and human quirks collide, exploring themes of belonging and the absurdity of bureaucracy in a fantastical setting. With its lush visuals and charming narrative, this film is a delightful adventure that captivates the imagination.
Cultural context
the rise of the fantasy genre in mainstream cinemathe exploration of American identity in a magical contextthe interplay between magical and non-magical societiesthe nostalgia for the 1920s aesthetic