HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1 (review)

Unsympathetically dark and depressing, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 presents the bleak and morose first half of J.K. Rowling’s final book, plutting Harry Potter and friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley find themselves away from Hogwarts and alone in the very dangerous and adult world of a magic apocalypse.

With the Ministry of Magic compromised, Harry and his friends look for the missing pieces of Voldemort’s soul, led by the posthumous guidance of their mentor, the deceased Albus Dumbledore.  The film looks as bleak as the story, with grey skies and sickly pallor.  Performances are across the board excellent, in no small part due to watching these characters (and actors) grow over the last decade.  A particular high point, Yates tells the story of the deathly hallows using a stylized animated segment that reminded me considerably of the work of Guillermo Del Toro.

My only criticism besides some alterations and additions to the text is that there are aspects of the story that lack, in my opinion, the necessary depth (the first two deaths of supporting characters and the confrontation with Draco Malfoy, in particular).  Nevertheless, the emotional coldness of this particular installment certainly left me craving the warmth of previous chapters and of course, a happy ending.