THIS sets the ball rolling on the final chapter of JK Rowling’s best-selling fantasy saga, opening with heartbreaking scenes involving Hermione (Emma Watson) and her parents. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione face the renewed threat from the Death Eaters alongside their fellow wizards, including Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson).

The evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and his followers, including Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter) and Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs), continue to grow in power, threatening everything that Dumbledore and his followers hold dear.

Separated from their friends, Harry, Ron and Hermione embark on a perilous quest to track down the mysterious Horcruxes and stop the forces of darkness forever.

David Yates, from St Helens, who directed this sixth film, strikes an even darker, gloomier tone here, with just occasional flashes of humour. Screenwriter Steve Kloves remains faithful to Rowling’s hefty tome but is allowed brief moments of artistic licence.

Thus, we see Harry and Hermione tenderly dancing together and Voldemort preys upon Ron’s insecurities and jealousy by taunting him with a vision of a naked Harry and Hermione locked in a steamy embrace. A seven-disc box set comprising all of the films so far is also available.

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