Hello fellow book enthusiasts and Potterheads!
As the days get warmer, I’ve been diving into my reading list, and recently, I had the absolute pleasure of immersing myself in the screenplay for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by the one and only J. K. Rowling.
For those who know me, my love for the Harry Potter universe is no secret. Books, movies, theme parks – you name it, I adore it. So naturally, I was incredibly eager to read this screenplay, especially after enjoying Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
I intentionally waited a bit to read this book, wanting to fully appreciate it without any distractions. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait!
Initial Impressions:
- Firstly, this book is simply beautiful. The cover design is captivating, and the quality of the paper adds to the overall reading experience. Yes, I’m a book nerd, and proud of it!
- Being a screenplay, much like The Cursed Child script, it’s a wonderfully quick read. The format, focusing on action and dialogue, makes it incredibly engaging and easy to get lost in. I devoured it in just a few days.
- The fact that J. K. Rowling herself penned the screenplay is a huge plus. It ensures the story feels authentically connected to the original Harry Potter series, capturing the same magical essence we all cherish.
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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the book, transports us to the dazzling 1920s New York City, decades before Harry Potter’s adventures. As Goodreads perfectly summarizes: “Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, intending his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced, and some of Newt’s fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone… Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.”
What Makes This Book a Fantastic Read for Harry Potter Fans?
For me, this screenplay was a delightful return to the Harry Potter universe. Like many fans, I’m always yearning for more stories from this world, and Fantastic Beasts delivers a fresh narrative with compelling new characters to root for. The screenplay is sprinkled with charming nods to the original series, from familiar spells and creature types to mentions of Dumbledore and Hogwarts. I even enjoyed the subtle humor, particularly the cultural banter between Newt and Tina, highlighting the differences between British and American wizarding worlds.
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Relatable and Engaging Characters
Just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione, the main characters in Fantastic Beasts are incredibly easy to connect with and cheer for. I particularly resonated with Newt’s deep compassion for his creatures and his unwavering commitment to their well-being, as well as his strong moral compass. His loyalty and dedication are truly admirable. I’m definitely hoping to learn more about his backstory in future installments.
Jacob, the No-Maj (American Muggle), is simply wonderful. His sheer joy and wonder at being introduced to the magical world are infectious, and his down-to-earth nature and ability to connect with both people and creatures make him instantly lovable. Tina’s earnest dedication to upholding the Statute of Secrecy and Queenie’s warm-heartedness and unique ability to read minds add further layers to this engaging ensemble.
However, I did find that some of the supporting characters felt less developed. This might be inherent to the screenplay format, which prioritizes dialogue and action. While some characters like Mr. Graves were intriguing, the subplot involving Credence and his family felt somewhat dark and disconnected from the main narrative.
The Magical Creatures Take Center Stage
My absolute favorite aspect of Fantastic Beasts is, unsurprisingly, the magical creatures themselves. The plotlines revolving around their escape and Newt’s efforts to recapture them were the most captivating. The Niffler is undeniably hilarious, and the Occamy is utterly fascinating. Newt’s affectionate relationships with his creatures, especially Pickett the Bowtruckle, are heartwarming. The book truly shines when it focuses on Newt’s mission to change wizarding perceptions of magical creatures. I only wished there had been even more emphasis on this!
Room for Improvement?
While I thoroughly enjoyed the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them book, I couldn’t help but feel it had the potential to be even greater.
Firstly, I believe this story would have flourished as a full-fledged novel. While the screenplay format offers a quick and plot-driven experience, it lacks the immersive depth of Rowling’s novels. I longed for richer descriptions of Newt’s global travels, deeper explorations of the characters’ inner thoughts, and more details about the hunt for Grindelwald and Newt’s time at Hogwarts.
Secondly, I craved more fantastic beasts! The scenes inside Newt’s case, showcasing the creatures and their habitats, were magical. I wanted to delve deeper into Newt’s mission and his book, perhaps with more creatures escaping or expanded backstories for specific species.
Lastly, the Obscurus subplot didn’t entirely resonate with me. It felt darker and less integrated with the central plot, mainly serving as a vehicle for a late-stage twist. A more intricate plot centered around the creatures themselves might have been more compelling.
Screenplay vs. Movie: A Unique Experience
Having read the screenplay before watching the movie adaptation was a fascinating experience. The film is remarkably faithful to the text, with dialogue often directly lifted from the book. However, even with the verbatim script, the cinematic interpretations offered new perspectives. The visual representation of Newt’s case and the creatures was breathtaking. Yet, the movie reinforced my feelings about the Obscurus subplot – it remained unsettling and dark. On a positive note, Johnny Depp’s casting as Grindelwald, which was a point of discussion at the time, I found to be inspired. He truly embodies the enigmatic and unsettling nature of the character.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay is a thoroughly enjoyable read and a fantastic addition to the Wizarding World. I found myself oscillating between 3 and 4 stars, ultimately landing on a solid 3.5-star rating. While some aspects could have been more developed, the return to the Harry Potter universe, the introduction of captivating characters, and the focus on magical creatures make it a must-read for any Harry Potter enthusiast. Exploring the wizarding world history before Harry and Voldemort is genuinely exciting and opens up a wealth of storytelling possibilities.
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What are your thoughts on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them? Did you read the screenplay before or after seeing the movie?
