Introduction

Many viewers of Fantastic Beasts 2 were left disappointed with the character of Queenie Goldstein, whose storyline felt like a misstep in the overall narrative. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind Queenie's controversial turn towards Gellert Grindelwald, exploring the potential shortcomings in its execution and offering thoughts on how a different approach might have enhanced her character development.

Why Characters Sometimes Take Unexpected Paths

It's important to recognize that writers and filmmakers often don't set out to ruin a character intentionally. Poorly executed character arcs can stem from various missteps, such as taking on too much in the scriptwriting process, improvising too much during production, or insufficient rethinking of essential plot points. While the goal is always to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative, external pressures and creative limitations can sometimes result in a character taking an unexpected and unsatisfying path.

The Decision to Complicate Queenie’s Character

In the case of Fantastic Beasts 2, the decision to have Queenie join Gellert Grindelwald served multiple narrative purposes. It was intended to:

Deepen the stakes: By having a core character like Queenie align herself with Grindelwald, the stakes of the film become more personal and emotionally resonant for the audience. This adds a layer of tension and drama to an already complex and high-stakes plot.

Develop the core cast: Queenie's journey serves as a crucial subplot that develops her relationship with Newt Scamander and the other members of the core cast. This subplot adds depth and complexity to the characters’ interactions and growth.

Highlight Grindelwald's manipulative nature: Queenie's commitment to Grindelwald allows the audience to see firsthand the extent of Grindelwald's manipulative abilities. It demonstrates the depths to which he will go to control and influence others.

Was It Over-Played or Misused?

While the intentions behind Queenie's storyline were positive, its execution left much to be desired. The use of a self-proclaimed witch who has no clear magical abilities to play a pivotal role in the conflict may feel extreme to the audience, especially given that the other subplots receive less development. Additionally, the complexity of the story required more nuanced handling of dialogue and character interaction. Had the filmmakers taken a second pass, they might have:

Provided clearer motivation: Exploring Queenie's internal struggles and providing more context for her decision to join Grindelwald would have helped the audience better understand her choices and connect with her journey.

Developed the supporting cast: Spending more time on the other characters' subplots, such as Leta's drama with her brother, could have provided a more balanced and satisfying viewing experience. The Leta storyline, for example, could have been handled in a more cohesive manner, giving it the depth it deserved.

Made the tensions more evident: Ensuring that Queenie's decision to join Grindelwald creates a clear and palpable tension throughout the film would have enhanced the narrative impact. This could have been achieved by more direct confrontations and interactions with Newt and other characters.

Potential for Improvement in Future Installments

The backlash from Queenie's storyline in Fantastic Beasts 2 is a reminder of the importance of careful character development. While the film is undoubtedly entertaining, the rushed and muddled handling of certain plot points detracted from the overall cohesiveness of the story. The next installment, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, presents an opportunity to address these issues. By refining the character arcs and ensuring that each subplot receives the necessary attention and development, future films can deliver a more satisfying and engaging narrative for viewers.

Conclusion

The character of Queenie Goldstein in Fantastic Beasts 2 represents a case study in the complexities of character development in film. While the intentions behind her storyline were noble, the execution left much to be desired. By taking a second pass and addressing the shortcomings in her character arc, future films in the series can enhance their storytelling and provide a more satisfying viewing experience for both longtime fans and new audiences alike.