As Lord Voldemort (Fiennes) gains power and begins his war against both the wizarding and Muggle worlds, Harry, Hermione and Ron (Radcliffe, Watson and Grint) go into hiding as they search for the Horcruxes, mystical objects that hold the key to Voldemort’s defeat. Fighting for their lives and trying to stay together, they uncover the mystery of the wizarding world’s most powerful tools: the Deathly Hallows. A dark, intense setup for what is sure to be an epic finale.
I have to wonder what value there is in really reviewing this movie, short of saying “if you liked the others, you’ll like this one.” We’re on part 7 of 8: if you’re not “in” by now, you’re not going to be. Anyhow, David Yates takes his third turn at the helm, and does a fine job bringing the grimness and gravitas of the final book to the screen. Given the extra time afforded by splitting the book in two, the adaptation hews very closely to the book, which may frustrate some of those who are only familiar with the movies. This film is a marked departure from the previous six, in that we never see Hogwarts, whose hallowed halls provided a sense of security that is all but gone. As such, this installment is raw and not a little bleak, leaving our heroes alone with all the angst, confusion and terror that that entails. To some, these parts may drag, but there are some moments of genuine, honest emotion that make it worthwhile. On the technical side, the battles are vivid and gripping, the special effects keep getting better and the scenery is breathtakingly shot by Eduardo Serra. The only complaints I had are that some scenes are very dark and hard to decipher and for all that happens, it’s all “middle” (a necessary thing, given that it’s part one of two, but still disappointing). A very competent continuation to whet your appetite for the climax next summer.