Zul M

Review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (spoilers alert) As a fan of the Harry Potter universe, The Cursed Child left me in awe, particularly during the breathtaking scene where the Dementors swoop down, creating an eerie yet magical spectacle. The transfiguration sequence, where Harry transforms into Voldemort, was another highlight—an impressive blend of technical wizardry and theatrical artistry that truly brought the magic of the wizarding world to life. However, while the production excels in many areas, one aspect left me conflicted. The relationship between Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy is portrayed with an undeniable intimacy, to the point where it feels like the creators were teasing a romantic bond between the two. Their connection, filled with meaningful glances and heartfelt exchanges, resonates deeply, but the play stops short of explicitly acknowledging it as a romantic relationship. The explanation given about portraying "a loving relationship between two boys, who may or may not be in love" feels like an attempt to balance representation and ambiguity, but it inadvertently contributes to accusations of queerbaiting. In fact, the depth of Albus and Scorpius's friendship makes the original trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione seem like a casual book club by comparison. Their bond is so intense and central to the story that it redefines the meaning of friendship in the Harry Potter universe, raising the bar for emotional connections on stage. Despite this, The Cursed Child is a masterclass in live theater, offering stunning visuals and deeply emotional storytelling. While it doesn’t fully embrace every layer of its characters’ relationships, the production remains a magical artform in theatre magic..... 5h felt too short!