Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2025)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
“The Boy Who Lived returns — but this time, the past won’t stay buried.”

Nearly 14 years after the last installment of the original saga, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2025) brings audiences back to the Wizarding World with a story that feels both familiar and daringly different. Directed by David Yates and based on the acclaimed stage play by Jack Thorne (with input from J.K. Rowling and John Tiffany), the film delivers a nostalgic yet emotionally charged continuation of the legacy.

A Tale of Time, Trauma, and Ties That Bind

The film picks up where the Deathly Hallows epilogue left off — with Harry Potter, now a weary Ministry of Magic official and father of three, sending his son Albus Severus off to Hogwarts. But unlike Harry’s own journey of self-discovery, Albus struggles in his father’s shadow and soon finds himself pulled into a dangerous adventure through time alongside Scorpius Malfoy, Draco’s surprisingly charming and awkward son.

Time Travel Done Right?

The film’s biggest narrative risk — time travel — is handled with more finesse than expected. While it still leans on classic “what if?” tropes, the alternate timelines created are gripping, especially the dystopian reality where Voldemort reigns supreme and Hermione is a rogue rebel leader.

The Cast Shines Brightly

Returning veterans like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint reprise their roles with grace and maturity, especially Radcliffe, who delivers a deeply layered performance as a father haunted by both prophecy and parenthood. But it’s the younger cast — particularly newcomer Theo Sharpe as Albus and Ethan Cole as Scorpius — who steal the show with their chemistry, vulnerability, and humor.

Visually Enchanting, Emotionally Grounded

Visually, The Cursed Child dazzles. From the swirling chaos of the Time-Turner to an eerie scene inside the Forbidden Forest, the film leverages state-of-the-art effects without overwhelming the story. But it’s the emotional core — the struggle between generations, the pain of expectations, and the power of empathy — that truly casts a spell.

Final Verdict

While it may not reach the mythic heights of the original series, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child stands as a worthy and heartfelt addition to the Wizarding World canon. Fans will debate the twists, but there’s no denying the magic is still very much alive.

Verdict: A powerful, poignant return to Hogwarts — full of heart, surprises, and just the right amount of mischief.