And now we finally find ourselves at the beginning of the end of the Harry Potter saga. With so much pertinent plot in the source novel, adapting it into a single film proved to be impossible and the decision was made to split the film into two parts, released nine months apart.
After the death of Albus Dumbledore, Voldemort and the Death Eaters have increased their attacks of the Wizarding world as well as the world at large. Harry (played by Daniel Radcliffe) is rescued from the Dursley home by several of Dumbledore's followers, including Ron (played by Rupert Grint) and Hermoine (played by Emma Watson). To try and avoid any followers, several of them ingest Polyjuice potion to transform into duplicates of Harry. This turns out to be a good idea as upon leaving the Dursley residence, they are immediately set upon by a hoard of Death Eaters intent on taking out Harry and his supporters. There are a couple tragic casualties before the remaining ones arrive at the magically protected Weasley house. Upon learning that the Ministry of Magic has fallen, Harry, Ron and Hermoine set out on their own to find the remaining Horcruxes, items that contain pieces of Voldemort's soul and their destruction being the key to killing him once and for all. It is an arduous journey that will not only test them against their enemies but their friendship as well.
This film is where the series really and truly breaks free of the formula that had served the series well up until this point. As such, this entry feels like a huge breath of fresh air which goes nice with the growing tension the film has as the world around Harry grows increasingly darker and scarier. David Yates and Steve Kloves, along with the producers, made the wise choice of rather than cutting down the film to make it into two parts. This allows the characters some time to react and absorb the events that are happening. There are little moments, such as Harry stopping to look in the little cupboard under the stairs that was his room in the first film, bringing things full circle in a way. It also allows for little character moments, like Harry and Hermoine dancing to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' "O Children" to relieve the tension they are both feeling. It the moments like these that enrichen the film and make it that more meaningful of a film.
It's interesting to arrive at this film and realize just how much Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have grown as actors over the ten year course of this saga. All three have to carry the bulk of the film and they do so incredibly well. Radcliffe makes his best turn as Harry, who is able to show Harry's inner turmoil and burden so well. Harry isn't quite sure how to deal with everyone looking to him and also doesn't want anyone else to die for him. Rupert Grint likewise shines as Ron, whose own inner turmoil and anxieties begins to boil over, causing him to lash out at his friends. Emma Watson does well, showing Hermoine as the cool head that her friends can rely on, with her beaded bag (with a handy expansion charm making it bigger on the inside, how very Time Lord of her) packed with every possible thing they could need in their travels including books, changes of clothes, medicines and potions and even a tent.
Overall, as the beginning of the end of the Harry Potter saga, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is able to break new ground and find a fresh take on the series for it's final outings. Even if other teen lit series took the same trend of breaking the final film into two parts, I genuinely feel this one was done with the best narrative intentions in mind rather than as a cheap cash grab. By allowing the story room to breathe, it made it all the more poignant and meaningful.
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