“Wicked,” written by Winnie Holzman with music composed by Stephen Schwartz, originally premiered as a musical on Broadway. The 2024 movie adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, playing the title roles ‘Elphaba’ and ‘Glinda,’ has already been shortlisted for four Oscars. Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them? That’s the question at the heart of “Wicked,” and with Jon M. Chu as the director, the answer is as fun, heart-warming, and visually appealing. The hit Broadway show reimagines the land of Oz through the eyes of the Wicked Witch of the West.
This screen adaptation gives us all the magic, melody, and gravity-defying effect we’ve been waiting for since it was announced. From the moment the first note of “No One Mourns the Wicked,” you’re taken into a world that is entirely new called Oz. The Emerald City has never looked so green and shiny, with yellow brick paved streets and emerald towers that practically glow with enchantment. But the real magic comes from the two main witches.
The chemistry between these popular and magic girls is electrifying. They are equal parts frenemies. Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba is passionate. Her voice brings a sense of power with each musical number, particularly in her spellbinding version of “Defying Gravity,” which somehow feels even more miraculous in the film than it does on stage. Erivo as Elphaba is not just a misunderstood girl, she’s a storm bottled up, ready to break free. Next to her, Grande as Glinda is all sparkle, sass and popularity. Grande brings a bubbly and yet stunning flair to “Popular” that’s as playful as it is staggering with the stunts done by Grande herself, leaning into Glinda’s apparent charm, while hinting at the insecurities hidden in her.
The supporting cast is just as blazing. Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero is a charming and handsome man as any Ozian “popular” figure should be, with just the right dash of disdain especially in his scenes with Grande. Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible is menacing yet impressive from her hair and makeup to extravagant costumes, her every glance a quiet threat. And let’s not leave out Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, a role he portrayed perfectly with his charm, mischief, and worry. Visually, “Wicked” is dazzling and a feast for the eyes. Chu’s direction is slick and different, blending the wonderful world of Oz with modern cinema and making it come to life.
The parts where Glinda comes out from the clouds in her voluptuous pink gown in a bubble are extraordinary in IMAX and Screen X, while the darker part of Munchkinland feels like something taken from a mystery movie. Every frame is packed with detail, from the wispy fogs of the Forbidden Forest to the dazzling colors of the Ozdust Ballroom. Of course, no adaptation is without its flaws.
The film goes slightly in the second act from the show, lingering a little too long in Elphaba’s banishment from Oz. Some of the musical numbers feel shortened, perhaps necessary for adapting a two and a half hour stage show for film. Fans of the Broadway production may find it missing a few beloved moments, but rest assured, the big moments are still in the movie. What Chu’s adaptation excels at is making the themes of “Wicked” feel more important than ever. Prejudice, danger of propaganda, and the power of the truth all get their screen time in this perfect retelling. It reminds us that sometimes the wicked are simply those who refuse to follow the rules. But then again “No One Mourns the Wicked.”
Rating: Four out of five stars.
Wicked is rated PG.
