By Nathan Westfall

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows – Part 1

For all of the millennial whom have spent their formative years post Y2K, Harry Potter has been a definitive series of our time. From the release of each successive book and movie, we have seen change and growth within ourselves; with each new chapter marking a time in our lives. The level of attachment to these characters and stories now runs deep in our society.

The final act of the Harry Potter series has long been planned to split into two parts. The first part, referred to as “Hallows Part I”, achieved every goal put before it. This is a well made film that should be seen as the final exposition leading to the grand finale to be released next summer. Director David Yates is able to hold viewers’ attention, yet still explain much of the complex storyline without any lack of intensity.
The film opens with the engineered escape of Harry Potter from his muggle home to a safe house hidden away from the Death Eaters. After losing a friend and barely making it out alive, Harry realizes that he must complete his mission of finding the remaining horcruxes and leaves with Ron and Hermione. The rest of the film focuses on the first part of their journey.

The actors in this film have played these same parts for many years now, thus making each performance easily their best yet. Plus, with the decision to keep Yates as director to the end of the series, there is finally continuity from film to film. This was a very well done film and I look forward to the final piece next summer.