An Enchanting Return to Magic’s Darkest and Brightest Corners
After the mixed reception of its third installment, Fantastic Beasts 4: The Rise of the Phoenix (2025) swoops in like its mythical namesake to breathe new fire into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. Directed by David Yates and co-written by Rowling and Steve Kloves, this chapter marks a thrilling rebirth for the franchise—richer in lore, deeper in emotion, and finally balancing the “beasts” with the broader stakes of wizarding warfare.Set five years after the events of The Secrets of Dumbledore, the film finds the wizarding world teetering on the brink of all-out magical conflict. Gellert Grindelwald (now played again by Mads Mikkelsen) has gone underground, his followers scattered but not defeated. Meanwhile, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) faces a crisis of conscience as he’s haunted by both prophecy and personal loss.
Enter Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), whose peaceful existence is disrupted when a fiery, elusive magical creature—the Phoenix—resurfaces in Bhutan, signaling the awakening of an ancient power tied to the destiny of the Dumbledore family. Alongside his loyal companions—Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), Theseus Scamander (Callum Turner), and newcomer Yasmina Khalid (Sofia Boutella), a Magizoologist from North Africa—Newt must track the creature before Grindelwald’s forces get to it.
Meanwhile, Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller), believed to have perished, returns—transformed, tortured, and holding the key to a secret that could change the fate of wizardkind forever.One of the biggest strengths of The Rise of the Phoenix is its newfound narrative clarity. Where previous films sometimes got lost in political complexity and exposition-heavy dialogue, this film delivers a tighter, emotionally grounded story. The film weaves together magical creature exploration, character arcs, and high-stakes battles with confidence. Newt's journey feels essential again—not just as comic relief or a reluctant hero, but as a figure whose compassion for magical creatures gives him moral weight.
Eddie Redmayne delivers his most nuanced performance yet as Newt. He’s older, wearier, but never loses his gentle curiosity. Jude Law continues to impress as Albus Dumbledore, particularly in a heart-wrenching scene where he confesses his deepest regrets to a magical portrait of his sister, Ariana.
Mads Mikkelsen is magnetic, imbuing Grindelwald with icy menace and tragic depth. Unlike past portrayals, this Grindelwald isn't just evil—he’s persuasive. His vision of a “purified” wizarding order is presented with frightening elegance.
Special mention goes to Dan Fogler, whose Jacob Kowalski remains the soul of the series. His evolving dynamic with Queenie (Alison Sudol) and his reluctant role as a Muggle caught in wizarding wars give the story a human pulse.Yasmina Khalid is a standout addition. A magical zoologist from Egypt, she brings both scientific brilliance and spiritual reverence to her studies. Her bond with a rare, rainbow-plumed Thunderbird becomes a central metaphor for the film’s themes of rebirth and balance.
As for beasts, Rise of the Phoenix delivers some of the most visually stunning creatures yet:
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The Phoenix itself, a majestic, flame-wreathed creature tied to the Dumbledores’ legacy.
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A herd of spectral Moonstalkers that prowl the Himalayan forests.
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And the terrifying “Mokasha,” a mind-invading serpent-beast used by Grindelwald to torture memories from victims.
At its heart, the film is about the cycle of death and rebirth—both literal and metaphorical. The Phoenix, as a creature of flame and renewal, mirrors the emotional arcs of many characters: Credence seeking redemption, Dumbledore facing his past, and even Grindelwald preparing for what he calls his “final fire.”
Political themes continue, though more subtly this time. We see fractured wizarding governments, debates over magical intervention in Muggle affairs, and the rise of extremist ideologies. Yet the film never loses sight of its emotional core—friendship, loyalty, and the belief that even the most wounded soul can choose to change.Visually, Rise of the Phoenix is a marvel. From the glowing sands of an Egyptian magical oasis to an epic showdown in a storm-ravaged Tibetan monastery, every frame feels like a painting. Colleen Atwood’s costume design continues to impress, blending vintage fashion with arcane flair.
James Newton Howard returns with a sweeping score, blending motifs from Harry Potter with new, haunting melodies—especially during a stunning sequence where the Phoenix saves a character from near-death, rising from ashes in slow motion.
The film isn't perfect. Some subplot threads—particularly regarding Queenie and the International Confederation—feel underdeveloped. Fans hoping for major connections to Harry Potter lore (such as young Tom Riddle or the Chamber of Secrets) may be disappointed.
And while the action sequences are grand, there are moments where the magical duels rely too heavily on CGI fireworks instead of creative, character-driven magic.Fantastic Beasts 4: The Rise of the Phoenix is a triumphant step forward for a franchise that once seemed to be losing its spark. It honors the emotional complexity of its characters, expands the magical universe meaningfully, and brings back the sense of wonder that made fans fall in love with the Wizarding World.
It’s not just about beasts. It’s about the beasts within us—and the power of redemption, even in the darkest of times.
Whether you're a Potterhead or a newcomer enchanted by magical creatures and epic storytelling, The Rise of the Phoenix is worth the ride.
Rating: 8.5/10
A rich, emotional, and visually spellbinding chapter that rekindles the magic of the franchise while paving the way for what could be a spectacular conclusion in Fantastic Beasts 5.
