Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is the second installment in the Fantastic Beasts film series, serving as a prequel to the popular Harry Potter universe. Set in 1927, the film follows magizoologist Newt Scamander as he is enlisted by Albus Dumbledore to thwart the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald's plans for wizarding supremacy. The movie delves into complex backstories and relationships within the Wizarding World, exploring themes of loyalty, family, and the fight against rising dark forces. With a darker tone than its predecessor, it features extensive magical action and introduces new fantastical creatures. The film is targeted at an older audience due to its intense themes and intricate plot, building upon established lore for fans of the wider Wizarding World franchise.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains significant magical violence, including lethal spells, destructive battles, and several implied and on-screen deaths. Grindelwald's actions are ruthless, demonstrating his willingness to use deadly force to achieve his goals. The intensity of the fantasy action is higher than in the previous installment, contributing to the film's darker tone.
1. Grindelwald orchestrates a violent escape from MACUSA in a flying carriage, where he and his followers kill Aurors during the intense sequence. 2. At the Lestrange Mausoleum rally, Grindelwald conjures a destructive ring of blue fire that consumes and kills numerous retreating Aurors, turning them to ash. Leta Lestrange also sacrifices herself by walking into this deadly fire.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are fundamental to the film, as it is set within the magical Wizarding World. Extensive use of magic, spells, and dark arts is central to the plot, particularly through the actions of Grindelwald and his followers. Concepts like blood pacts, dark curses, and magical creatures are prevalent throughout the narrative.
Scary & Intense Content
The movie contains frequent scary and intense sequences, contributing to its darker tone. These include menacing magical creatures, implied and explicit deaths, and a persistent sense of threat from Grindelwald's extremist ideology. Certain scenes, such as mass destruction and a character's tragic backstory, may be frightening for younger viewers.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
PG-13. The MPAA rated the film PG-13 for 'some sequences of fantasy action.' Due to its darker tone, intense magical violence, several character deaths (some implied), and complex themes, it is best suited for viewers aged 13 and older, or 12 with strong parental guidance.
Good to Know
The film is notably darker and more complex than the first Fantastic Beasts movie, focusing more on political intrigue and the looming global conflict. Parents should be aware of the film's density of plotlines and characters, which some critics found overwhelming. The implied violence against a baby and children's deaths in Leta Lestrange's backstory could be particularly disturbing.
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