Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt 1 (2010) Review

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt 1 (2010)

The Deathly Hallows Pt 1 follows Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who are on the run from Voldemort following the death of Dumbledore, on a journey to destroy the remaining Horcruxes. 

I admittedly have looked back on this seventh entry into the series for years with dislike, but this most recent watch has given me a much greater appreciation for it. As a twinkle-eyed teenager, this was no more than setup for Part 2 (and obviously, it is to some extent), lacking in any real exciting action like we’ve grown accustomed to and feeling like a gloomy let down. Quite the contrary though, as this feels like the most character-centric exploration we’ve had in years, with an inclination towards movies like Lord of the Rings and The Road, mixing those intense exploratory adventures with a post-apocalyptic setting that leaves our trio on a path to fend for themselves in the vast wilderness (often at odds with themselves). 

And while I’m not reviewing Part 2 (yet), it is important to look at these as two halves of the same whole. Part 1 makes smart use (or lack of) music, stretching the story out into anxiety inducing territory that is equally dark and depressing. It cleverly keeps you on edge, whether they are traversing through London, the forest, and right in front of a group of death eaters. The tension is deafening to the point where it feels like the clock is just ticking down until another brutal death. 

We get a much smaller but focused cast this time around, starring Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Felton, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and Daniel Radcliffe. Some of the best performances to come out of this movie were certainly from Watson and Grint, as we finally get to see deeper sides from their characters and the conflicting qualities that make them excellent pairs with Radcliffe at any given time, especially Watson, who was likely my favorite of the movie. 

Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling, The Deathly Hallows Pt 1, directed by David Yates, relentlessly keeps you on your toes and gives us a film that should be devoid of life and yet it beautifully takes it’s time to bring our characters closer and more prepared for the inevitable loss that is coming as we head into the home stretch.

8.1/10