Musical theater nerds, roadway lovers, and Grande-nites (I don’t know what to call them, sorry) can take a deep breath. After nearly 20 years of waiting, release your clutched pearls, because “Wicked” is worth the wait. Easily one of the best musical adaptions in recent memory (if we’re being honest isn’t a high bar to clear) the adaption passes with flying, emerald colors. A maximalist production of visual effects and practical sets with larger than life song and dance numbers, it’s the emotional core held in tact that makes “Wicked” really soar and defy gravity. I’ve seen the stage musical twice, read the book, and have seen a number of musical friends do renditions of the music countless times over the years. So yes, I was one one of those musical theater kids who went in with trepidation. Thankfully, all my apprehension was melted away. It sent me home humming and feeling unlimited.
“Wicked” is a big, bold, expensive blockbuster that – for what seems like the first time this year – actually pays off. Director Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians“) feels fluent in musical theater, able to capture some of that old timey Hollywood magic that makes “The Wizard of Oz” so special while also injecting a healthy dose of modern musical flare. It’s a tricky balance that Chu almost nails, with the full throttle approach to visual style and maximum flourish in every frame start to feel a little too digitalized and glossy. It’s that ultra shiny, digital sheen that occasionally hide the more practical production design of “Wicked” which do come through when things are approached with a bit more restraint. Even with everything dialed up to eleven, the sometimes overindulgent effects and imbalanced lighting aren’t nearly as distracting as the myriad of films I usually indict for that sort of thing. This film feels as big as its ideas, which is what crowd pleasing blockbusters are all about but rarely get right.
Based on the hit broadway show “Wicked” by Stephen Schwartz (composer and lyricist) which is in turn based on a novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire, it is adapted for film by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. Set in the land of Oz, the film tells of events before Dorthy lands in Munchkin land. It mostly takes place at Shiz University, where green skinned Elphaba (who we eventually come to know as the Wicked Witch of West played by Cynthia Erivo) arrives with her sister and possesses incredible magical talents that catch the eye of headmistress Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). She crosses paths with Glinda (Ariana Grande), and while at first they are enemies, they develop an unlikely friendship that will ultimately reshape Oz and change them both forever. The film also stars Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, and Bowen Yang.
The length has been under quite a bit of scrutiny, clocking in at two and half hours, the entire length of the stage play including intermission. Worries of bloated narratives and useless, uninspired original songs can also be put to rest, because Chu adds very little to fill out the lengthy “Part 1.” What I can say is its longer due to cinematic capabilities, instead of unnecessary padding.
Sequences like “Dancing Through Life” are elongated because the exciting, fun number is no longer confined to the stage. It can take its time highlighting the sets and dancers and acrobatic stunts in ways a stage production cannot. Conversations are longer in their screenplay form to add more depth and complexity to characters, which allows the supporting cast to have a little more to do and say for themselves. There are some new additions created for the film, but none of them are more important than the core characters and their journey.
This is, as the stage play and novel are, the Elphaba and Glinda show, and “Wicked” smartly hinges on its leads who are up to every challenge and are magnificent powerhouses.
Oscar nominee Erivo is mesmerizing as Elphaba, not just because of her incredible vocals but the depths of emotionality and nuance she portrays her with. Erivo’s performance add layers to the character that simply can’t translate on stage. It’s that emotional core that only the big screen can convey and Erivo taps into this and reaches into your soul and tugs at your heartstrings. You simply can’t look away when she is on screen, and every look and movement and tear and song is powerful. You can’t help but root for Elphaba, and it’s Erivo who brings all of it to the forefront. While Erivo is the more emotional crux of the story, it’s Grande who nearly hijacks everything entirely. I think we all forgot that she has comedic chops, and boy oh boy does she serve a big old bowl of reminder here. Grande is fierce and magnetic and laugh out loud funny, shouldering the necessary comedic relief with ease while never once shedding the deeper connection and complexity required for her character to be changed over her time with Elphaba.
The talks of Grande in the awards conversation should not be dismissed. That’s not say that Erivo isn’t equally as good, just that supporting actress isn’t nearly as stacked as best actress, and Grande really is that good here. Shed whatever you think of her as a pop star, because she is terrific in this film. Even though she refuses to annunciate and only sings in vowels, she thankfully doesn’t do that here. It is a huge relief being that her biggest number is “Popular,” a song that requires an emphasis on consonants to work. The two are simply phenomenal both together and apart, and their work elevates “Wicked” to soaring heights that will surely leave you with some tears. The original show’s messaging of accepting who you are, loving those who are different, speaking out against injustice, the power of friendship and the dangers of othering are made possible through the excellent performances of its leads. The supporting cast is great as well, but it really is all Erivo and Grande.
“Wicked” is the adaption we’ve been waiting for, and fans are in for a treat that does right by them and the stage production it’s based on. It doesn’t get everything right, and Chu makes some strange choices both visually and narratively that feel questionable at times. And for those that aren’t expecting the Part 1 cliffhanger ending (exactly where the stage play ends too) will probably being left wanting. But it’s the right choices made more often that make this a triumphant crowd pleaser, one that is sure to delight fans and newcomers alike and give us just a little bit of hope in these dark times. The message may be heavy handed, but it’s the one we need to hear right now.
Believe the hype, “Wicked” is worth it. It is a blast from start to finish, will make your heart sing and leave you singing with a smile from ear to ear. And no, I wasn’t crying during “Defying Gravity,” I had something in my eye.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
“Wicked Part One” hits theaters November 22nd. “Part Two” is due out November 21st, 2025. You can watch the trailer below.
