It’s all too easy to get swept up in the exaggerated hype surrounding a highly anticipated blockbuster, especially these days when initial reactions to such films often take on a clickbait tone and are packed with buzzwords studios love to plaster on posters, trailers, and more. Directed by Jon M. Chu (In the Heights) and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox (Cruella), Wicked is merely the latest example this year – a prequel to The Wizard of Oz adapted from the Broadway musical of the same name.
Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo (Bad Times at the El Royale) and Ariana Grande-Butera (Don’t Look Up) in the lead roles as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, following the story of how the witches of Oz first met. Elphaba is a misunderstood young woman with mysteriously green skin whose true power has yet to be discovered. Glinda is an incredibly popular young woman, driven by privilege and ambition, whose true heart also remains hidden. After forming an unlikely friendship at Shiz University, a meeting with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) sets them on paths that diverge in entirely different directions.
Having recently revisited the 1939 classic and with no prior knowledge of the stage play, Wicked surprised me in countless ways, excelling across all filmmaking departments to deliver an undeniably immersive narrative. Chu’s movie boasts beautifully developed character arcs intricately tied to its rich themes, explored over an engaging two-hour-and-forty-minute runtime. The highest compliment I can offer one of the year’s standout films is that it made me a fan of the Land of Oz – a world that previously didn’t pique my interest.
It’s worth starting with cinema’s two pillars – story and characters – because without strong storytelling, no amount of technical brilliance in Wicked (or any movie, really) would make this adaptation memorable. One of the central themes of the musical revolves around superficial judgment based on appearances and first impressions. From visual discrimination against Elphaba’s green skin to snap judgments about the character of a rebellious prince or assumptions about Glinda’s vanity based on her style and demeanor, the message “appearances can be deceiving” lies at the heart of the story and most significant characters.
Elphaba and Glinda follow a classic opposites-attract character arc – they couldn’t be more different, with contrasting origins, morals, motivations, and instincts for “good” and “evil”. Yet, over the course of Wicked, they learn to set aside initial judgments and truly understand one another. Glinda’s confidence and self-assuredness help Elphaba confront her doubts, while Elphaba leads Glinda to discover that she’s much more than just “popular”. Themes of change and redemption, particularly present in Glinda’s arc, also carry a broader effect on the narrative.
The main storyline follows a somewhat predictable path, even for those unfamiliar with the original tale. It also struggles with a secondary romantic subplot that, at least in Part I, fails to deliver impactful emotional conflicts or individual stakes. This secondary storyline, despite featuring phenomenal musical sequences, comes across as underwhelming. As a result, Wicked doesn’t entirely justify its extended runtime, losing some momentum in the second act. However, none of these shortcomings derail one of the year’s most captivating cinematic experiences.
Most of the musical sequences shine dazzlingly, with Stephen Schwartz’s lyrics proving both thematically rich and essential to character development and plot progression. While Defying Gravity is likely to become the audience’s standout favorite – delivering a chillingly cathartic conclusion – other highlights include the fantastic opening No One Mourns the Wicked, the simultaneously impressive and hilarious choreography of Something Bad, What Is This Feeling?, and Popular, and the deeply emotional I’m Not That Girl. Each of these moments remains vividly etched in my memory. Credit to the team of dancers and choreographers, as well as the exceptional cinematography by Alice Brooks (Tick, Tick… Boom!) and editing by Myron Kerstein (Crazy Rich Asians).
Before watching Wicked, I couldn’t overlook the surprising criticism regarding the film’s supposed lack of color or desaturation. However, I was stunned as the movie unfolded – if anything, Jon M. Chu infused this adaptation with extraordinary exuberance. From the elaborate practical sets to the vibrant costumes, it’s hard to comprehend where such negative comments originated, though many complaints about projection issues across cinemas seem plausible.
The only notable technical flaw in Wicked is its excessive backlighting. While the visual effects are mostly consistent and occasionally mesmerizing, the excessive backlighting often creates an artificial green-screen-like sensation, even in real sets, becoming a needless distraction that detracts from the movie’s beauty. The final moments also rely heavily on VFX, but the climax is so powerful that it’s unlikely to negatively impact the audience’s experience.
Final praise must go to the cast. Every actor radiates in their respective role, from Jeff Goldblum (Asteroid City) with his natural charisma to Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) as the enigmatic Madame Morrible, Marissa Bode as the genuinely innocent Nessarose, Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton) as the charming Fiyero Tigelaar, and even Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) lending gravitas as Dr. Dillamond. Each has standout moments under the spotlight.
But nothing compares to the unforgettable performances and electrifying chemistry between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera. Erivo proves yet again that she’s one of the most underrated actresses in the industry, bringing immense aptitude and emotional depth to her portrayal of Elphaba. Meanwhile, Grande-Butera delivers one of the year’s most surprising performances, showcasing impeccable comedic timing, expressive acting, and remarkable physicality. Vocally, both are nothing short of breathtaking. Their best moment arrives around the one-hour mark, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Wicked and the Land of Oz – sure to leave audiences in tears.
Final Thoughts on Wicked
Despite a few technical and narrative missteps, Wicked shines brightly with its compelling story, outstanding performances, and astonishing musical sequences. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera deliver truly remarkable, award-worthy performances, grounding the film with unparalleled chemistry and elevating their characters to incredible heights, all while demonstrating phenomenal vocal talent. Jon M. Chu crafts an ambitious, visually stunning adaptation that captivates both long-time fans of the musical and newcomers alike. With timeless messages conveyed through poignant themes and well-crafted character arcs, Wicked not only lives up to its initial hype but leaves audiences eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this magical story.
Rating: A-
Wicked is now playing in theaters.
Learn more about the film, including how to buy tickets, at the official website for the title.
You might also like…
