In this age of uncertainty and hate, we need a new Harry Potter installment more than ever.

This is an understandable reaction.

And Rowling has been building her wizarding world out through Pottermore in anticipation.

For many young adults, Harry Potter wasnt just a story they liked as a kid.

It was one they grew up with that helped them understand the world and themselves.

When the final book was released in 2007, for example, Harry was 17 and I was 19.

Frankly, it was everything I hadnt even dared hoped it would be and more.

The tricky balance between embracing canon and changing it.

I knewThe Cursed Childwould be magical; I just didnt expect it to be this ambitious.

It is one thing to let us continue the story, another to let us unravel the canon.

The Cursed Childisnt just extending canon, it is challenging and experimenting with all that has come before.

Refreshingly,The Cursed Childis the rare exception to the generally lackluster canon extensions.

It isnt just fine; it is something special.

The rough, spoiler-light plot.

When we catch up with Harry, he and Ginny are still married with three children.

If you might, see it on stage.

Im not sure how well this play will translate for those reading it in script form at home.

As Rowlings #KeeptheSecrets campaign suggests, there are definitely twists worth keeping mum about.

The perfect balance of nostalgia and new elements.

), has never looked so effortless.

I said, Learning to deal with death and grief.

(Pretty low bar.)

How did the returning characters measure up?

Harry, in particular, is perfect: stubborn, reactionary, and endlessly brave and loving.

I wasnt expectingThe Cursed Childto depict such a well-rounded, flawed version of Harry, but it did.

Scorpius Malfoy steals the show.

For me, the character of Scorpius Malfoy is the highlight of this story.

An emphasis on male relationships and the heteronormative.

In conclusion…

The Cursed Childdoesnt have that same problem.

Not only is it an original story rather than an adaptation, but it is a play.

Theater as a medium has an immediacy and raw intimacy that film cant quite imitate.

(Cinema has different strengths.)

As Rowling once said: The stories we love best do live in us forever.

Rating:

5 out of 5