As a devoted fan of the Harry Potter books and movies, delving into a new Potter story, brought forth a wave of nostalgia. I was always amazed by J. K. Rowling’s creativity and how she could build up this huge detailed universe from scratch. However, as I embarked on this new adventure, the echoes of the well-known books became apparent, leaving me with mixed feelings.
Plot and characters
This book covers the adventure of our most favorite Hogwarts students’ children. The story catches on where it ended. Harry and Ginny, Ron and Hermione are married and have children. Also, Draco and his son play a crucial role in the Cursed Child. While the premise promises a delightful continuation, the plot feels like a repetition with a lack of fresh ideas. The absence of the twisty, exciting elements and the distinct vibes from the original seven books was palpable.
It is the beginning of the school year and we got to know shortly the kids. Against all odds, Harry’s son Albus becomes friends with Malfoy’s son Scorpius. These two will get in trouble just like their parents at the same age.
I just couldn’t like Albus’ character. He lives in the shadow of his father’s legacy and their relationship is very problematic. His character is irresponsible, defiant, immature, and so on. He meant good when he stole the “last” time-turner to bring back Cedric Diggory but he created a tangled web of timelines. Harry had also annoying traits especially, in the first two books but Albus exceeded him. At least by the end, it seems like he learnt from the whole adventure.
On the other hand, Scorpius, Draco’s son, emerges as the responsible and ultimately heroic figure in the story. The twist that a Malfoy takes the spotlight rather than a Potter adds a refreshing layer to the narrative. Despite his challenging upbringing, Scorpius is easily likable and complements Albus, reminiscent of the dynamic trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Speaking of the original trio, Harry, Ron, and Hermione find themselves working together once again, to save the wizarding world from Voldemort. While it’s delightful to see them as adults, their behavior at times feels weird to me. Also, It seems like everyone is working at the Ministry. I’m just wondering are there any other occupations for wizards other than the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts?
The exploration of time travel and parallel universes, while intriguing, feels like a rehash of ideas already presented in “The Prisoner of Azkaban.” My primary problem with the story lies in its format. As it is a theater script, it limits the depth of character development and plot intricacies.
My review
To summarize “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” offers a nostalgic trip to the magical world we love, but it falls short in delivering a plot that matches the originality and excitement of its predecessors. The script format hinders the exploration of characters and plot details, leaving fans with a bittersweet taste of a story that could have been more magical.
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