Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 [Review]

Harry Potter may not look it, but he’s a juggernaut. The final film in the magical series shattered all opening-weekend records and pulled in 168 million dollars. The franchise is the highest-grossing overall of all time, too. J.K. Rowling is one of the richest women in the world, and her humbly begun series got countless children interested in reading again.

David Yates, who directed the last three films, helmed this final one. I completely understand the decision to split the last book into two films, but it created a Part 1 that feels bloated, and a Part 2 that feels rushed. But at the final count, this is an excellent and well-done end to the series.

Aside from a brief flash of the Warner Brothers logo, the film jumps right into the story. Harry and his friends must find the final few Horcruxes—talismans that carry pieces of Lord Voldemort’s soul. Meanwhile, Snape is in charge of Hogwarts, and the school is surrounded by Dementors.

It’s a tense situation, and the actors all do an excellent job. Hermione has changed from an overachieving do-gooder to a strong and brilliant force. Ron still provides humor, but he’s a brave and capable man now. And Harry has morphed from a starry eyed child full of wonder to a picture of resolve.

The actions of the film take place almost entirely over the course of one day, and we’re swept along. When the final confrontation between Harry and Voldemort comes, it at first seems anticlimactic—until we stop and think about the vast journey that’s come before. Just as the enormous sweep of the Lord of the Rings comes down to the small actions of many—and the single act of one—so too is this vast story made up of its parts, and ended by the sacrifice of one. It’s powerfully felt and brings 10 years of films to a grand close.

Will Rowling be able to keep away from her beloved creation after all? Only she knows. But I for one am grateful for the wonder and joy she’s given me over the years.

In the meantime, we can take this story of a sacrifice of one for many as a conversation-starter about the real hero who gave his life for so many.