If you’re searching for the most enchanting and visually dazzling experience currently sweeping the cinematic world, look no further than the breathtaking adaptation of Wicked. This highly anticipated film brings the beloved Broadway sensation to life on the big screen, offering an exhilarating blend of drama, humour, and spectacle that will have you hooked from start to finish. With its rich storytelling, career defining performances, and stunning visuals, Wicked is the movie musical event of the year.
Based on the Tony Award-winning stage musical that has charmed sold-out audiences for over two decades, Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of The Wizard of Oz. The narrative explores the fascinating backstory of Elphaba and Glinda, two young women with vastly different backgrounds and destinies, who ultimately become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. This film masterfully portrays the journey from their initial rivalry to their unexpected friendship, peeling back layers of who they are, who they become, and why. The central premise is striking: Elphaba, born with unmistakable green skin, isn’t wicked by nature, and Glinda’s radiant exterior hides her own imperfections. Together, they reveal that the world of Oz is far from a simple place of good versus evil.
The brilliance of Wicked lies in the performances of its leading ladies, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera. Erivo delivers a powerhouse portrayal as Elphaba, infusing the character with a blend of strength, vulnerability, and an undeniable sense of justice. Her journey from outcast to the feared Wicked Witch is heart-wrenching, cementing her status as one of this generation’s best entertainers. You can see the deep-rooted pain behind her eyes, but she still gets that little sparkle of joy as she behinds to find herself and you believe every moment. The buzz around Erivo achieving the elusive EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) status is well-deserved, as she brings a profound depth to every scene she inhabits.
Ariana Grande-Butera, meanwhile, steps confidently into her role as Glinda, showcasing her well-known vocal prowess and a surprising knack for nuanced acting. Grande shines in her portrayal of the effervescent, often superficial, yet ultimately kind-hearted Glinda. Her rendition of songs like Popular and Loathing is infused with a sense of whimsy and old school Hollywood musical while also still being heartfelt, making it clear that this pop superstar has found her place in the film world.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Jeff Goldblum embodies the Wizard with his usual wacky charm, providing a complex portrayal that hints at the darker undercurrents of his character. Michelle Yeoh is the perfect villain who adds gravitas as Madame Morrible, the formidable head of Shiz University. Her presence commands attention, reinforcing the stakes at every turn. Jonathan Bailey brings charisma and depth to the role of Prince Fiyero, whose journey adds complexity and romance to the story. Bowen Yang ups the camp level here, delivering some of the movie’s biggest laughs.
Visually, Wicked is a feast for the eyes. Director Jon M. Chu, known for his incredible work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, elevates the fantastical world of Oz with lavish sets laden with intricate details, practical effects and dazzling costumes. From the green filled towers of the Emerald City to the steampunk-inspired train, every frame is packed with rich and imaginative artistry. Costume designer Paul Tazewell deserves particular praise for creating outfits that are infused with a Hollywood style and fit perfectly in tune with each character.
The musical numbers are everything fans could hope for. Classic songs such as Defying Gravity and I’m Not That Girl retain their emotional resonance, while Dancing Through Life showcases the film’s ability to blend big Broadway energy with cinematic finesse led by the incredibly charasmatic Jonathan Bailey. The score, composed by Stephen Schwartz, is still as moving as ever, giving moments of joy and evoking a tear or two. One of the high points of the movie is the musical number Loathing. It is the defining moment that cements this film’s uniqueness and the spectacular performances from Erivo and Grande really shine through in this song. The climactic Defying Gravity is everything you want it to be. Fans of the Broadway show will be wriggling in their seats when they hear Erivo’s unique spin on this classic, capturing Elphaba’s moment of liberation.
Beneath the glitz and glamour, Wicked explores some heavy themes of identity, acceptance, and societal judgment. As the story’s exploration of how Elphaba’s otherness, represented by her green skin, leads to being a social outcast and misunderstanding echoes powerful real-world issues of prejudice and fear of the unknown. When Elphaba arrives at Shiz University and encounters the gasps and whispers of her peers, it harkens back to the struggles faced during the civil rights era and beyond, framing the film’s allegorical elements in a way that feels both awkwardly relevant. Yet, the film never becomes bogged down by its serious undertones; instead, it balances them with humour, warmth, and an uplifting narrative about friendship, sisterhood and self-discovery.
The chemistry between Erivo and Grande is addictive, adding depth to the central relationship that carries the film. Their performances highlight the film’s feminist themes, showcasing how two strong, complex women navigate a world that constantly seeks to define them (and the men in power who try to control them). Their paths diverge as fate and personal choices shape their destinies, but their bond remains a reminder of their sisterhood.
Wicked is an absolute triumph that is destined to be the biggest cinematic spectacle of the year. Chu utilises a stunning amount of practical sets (the tulips in the opening scene will take your breath away with an incredible aerial shot!) and blends with CGI only when absolutely necessary, which helps this entire world to feel incredibly real. Through its superb cast, stunning visuals, and unforgettable music, all of this combines to create an experience that resonates long after the credits roll. Fans of the original musical and newcomers alike will find themselves swept away. With part two already on the release schedule for next year, it won’t be too long before we can answer the question, was dividing this movie into two parts to give enough air time to the characters and story, or a cynical cash grab from the studio. For now, it appears this was the right move, as Wicked cements itself as one of the best musical movies of all time.
WICKED opens nationally on Thursday 21st November, with preview screenings on Wednesday 20th November.
