Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2

REVIEW:

Spoilers ahead.

There’s something deeply satisfying about the way Deathly Hallows: Part 2 begins – not with a recap or a reset, but by diving straight into the aftermath of Dobby’s death, just as Part 1 closed. Watching these two films back-to-back feels like experiencing one seamless, five-hour odyssey through the darkest and most urgent chapter in the Wizarding World. This continuity makes the tension feel palpable from the first frame – as if no time has passed, and the fight for survival is already well underway. Director David Yates wastes no time building momentum, and within minutes, we’re vaulting toward the final battle.

The tone is immediately different. Gone is the slow-burning dread of Part 1; in its place is an escalating, almost breathless tempo. The first 30 minutes of Part 2 are more thrilling than the entire runtime of its predecessor – from the infiltration of Gringotts, to the breathtaking ride on the dragon’s back, to Harry’s return to Hogwarts. When the students are shown being marched through the castle’s corridors, once a beacon of wonder and imagination, it now resembles a bleak fortress under siege. That simple shift in atmosphere hits harder than expected – a visual reminder of how much innocence has been lost.

Harry’s return to Hogwarts is a truly triumphant moment, and I love that it’s paired with the swell of John Williams’ iconic score. The crowd’s reaction to seeing him – cheers erupting despite the risk – is a collective exhale of hope. It’s a cinematic moment that rewards our emotional investment — the kind that gives you goosebumps and makes your heart swell with nostalgia. The movie does such a great job of honouring the journey we’ve all been on, and that scene alone is enough to make long-time fans feel seen and celebrated.

Speaking of rewarding, Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall is an absolute scene-stealer. She has always been a highlight throughout the series, but here, she gets to shine in all her sassy, formidable glory. Whether she’s duelling Snape or giddily declaring that she’s always wanted to use the Piertotum Locomotor spell, Smith commands every frame she’s in. Her performance is warm, fierce, and full of bite – a reminder that the grown-ups in this world are just as heroic as the kids we’ve followed for so long.

Visually, the film is breathtaking. Voldemort and his forces assembling on the cliff above Hogwarts is one of the most ominous and powerful images in the entire franchise. The assault on the castle – with giants, spiders, and spells crashing against the protective barrier – is nothing short of a visual feast. The cinematography, effects, and sound design come together in a way that elevates this fantasy war into something that feels almost mythological. It’s beautiful and terrifying all at once.

But that beauty is paired with heartbreak. The destruction of Hogwarts – the crumbling stone, the shattered towers, the bodies strewn across the Great Hall – is like watching a childhood dream being torn apart. And among the chaos, there are so many emotional gut-punches: Fred, Lupin, Tonks. The action may be thrilling, but it’s the loss that lingers. One moment that never fails to leave an impression is the truth about Snape. For those who hadn’t read the books, discovering that he was protecting Harry all along is jaw-dropping. Alan Rickman delivers a performance layered with tragedy, love, and regret, making that Pensieve sequence an all-timer.

There are, however, a few elements that feel undercooked. For instance, Hagrid – a staple of the series – is given very little to do. We don’t even see him being captured. Robbie Coltrane brought such warmth and charm to the films, and it’s frustrating that he’s sidelined in the finale. He deserved a more significant presence in these final moments. That said, one of my favourite scenes comes near the end: Molly Weasley’s duel with Bellatrix. Her line – “Not my daughter, you bitch!” – hits like a thunderclap, giving me the same chills I get when Ripley faces off with the Queen in Aliens. It’s cathartic, badass, and completely earned.

In my opinion, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the best film in the series. It captures the heart, urgency, and spectacle that the story has been building toward for a decade. It’s a powerful send-off, not just to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but to the entire world that J.K. Rowling created and the filmmakers brought to life. As the final scene fades out and the epilogue begins, you can’t help but feel the weight of the journey – a journey that, for so many of us, defined an era of cinema and childhood.