Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald official poster

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Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of GrindelwaldA movie brief.

2018 / Fantasy / Directed by David Yates

Magic divides, but also defines.

What is Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald about?

In 1927, Newt Scamander and Albus Dumbledore team up to take down dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. They face new threats in a more divided wizarding world.

By Brefly · AI-assisted

Five things to know.

  1. Setup

    The film is set in 1927, three months after the events of the first film, and follows Newt Scamander as he tries to have his international travel ban lifted.

  2. World

    The wizarding world is more divided than ever, with the Magical Congress of the United States of America and the British Ministry of Magic struggling to maintain control.

  3. Pressure

    Newt Scamander is under pressure to help Albus Dumbledore take down Gellert Grindelwald, who has escaped from MACUSA custody.

  4. Craft

    The film features impressive visual effects, with Industrial Light & Magic and The Visual Effects Company handling the motion capture and concept design.

  5. Viewing Note

    The film has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of Jude Law and Johnny Depp, while others have criticized the excessive plotting and overlong runtime.

Brefly’s take / Interpretation

A thought to take with you.

The film expands the wizarding world, introducing new characters and plot twists, but may feel overlong and convoluted to some viewers.

Is it your kind of movie?

Fans of the Harry Potter series and fantasy films may enjoy this movie, which offers a deeper dive into the wizarding world. Viewers should expect a complex plot with many characters and subplots, which may be confusing for casual viewers.

Sources & scope

This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.

Source details checked September 8, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach