The wait is finally over, and Wicked has officially arrived on the big screen—but is it worth the hype? Let’s figure out.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the genius behind Crazy Rich Asians and Step Up, this film adaptation takes the beloved Broadway musical and transforms it into a visual spectacle that blends magic, music, and emotion in the best way possible. Wicked’s perfect combination of fantasy, drama, and killer performances that will have you totally hooked from start to finish.
Plot
Set in the legendary world of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked takes a deeper look at the backstory of two witches: Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo), the green-skinned girl who becomes the “Wicked Witch,” and Glinda (played by Ariana Grande), the bubbly blonde popular aka the “Good Witch.” The film starts with their first days at Shiz University, where they clash before slowly forming an unlikely friendship. Their journey through power, betrayal, love, and self-discovery sets the stage for their ultimate rivalry, as the story builds to their contrasting roles in Oz’s power struggle.
Performances and Narration
Let’s talk about the performances. Cynthia Erivo, as Elphaba, is absolutely magnificent. Her voice? Unmatched. Slaying every chorus. When she belts out Defying Gravity, you won’t just hear her—you’ll feel it and shed some tears like me and my colleague. It’s that moment in the movie where everything feels like it’s lifted to new heights (pun intended).
She captures Elphaba’s inner turmoil and vulnerability, all while delivering some of the most powerful musical numbers in the entire film. Erivo’s Elphaba is raw, emotionally intense, and unforgettable. Oscar calling?
Then there’s Ariana Grande as Glinda. If anyone had doubts about her ability to bring Glinda to life, those doubts should be given the toss(toss). Ariana absolutely nails the character, combining Glinda’s sassiness with a touch of sarcastic humour.
Her comedic timing is on point, especially in Popular, where she effortlessly pulls off the perfect blend of charm and camp. She twirls through her scenes with an energy that’s both magical and hilarious, making Glinda’s character feel as light and fun as she looks. Ariana’s vocals are equally stunning, and her chemistry with Cynthia Erivo is magnetic —these two are electric together.
But it’s not just the witches who shine. Mr. Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero brings a breezy, carefree charm to the role, injecting the character with charisma and rizz. His flirtatious energy with Elphaba feels both natural and intense, adding a layer of depth to the love triangle. Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, as the magical Madame Morrible, gives a commanding performance—her presence in the film is as strong as her character’s manipulative power.
And, of course, Jeff Goldblum’s turn as the Wizard is quirky and captivating, while Peter Dinklage, playing a talking goat professor, adds a surprising level of depth to his role. Overall, the supporting cast fills the world of Oz with a mix of gravity and lightness, balancing the big moments with subtle performances.
The Cinematography
Now, the visuals in Wicked are absolutely breathtaking. Jon M. Chu pulls out all the stops here, creating a stunning visual world that’s both fantastical and immersive. From massive sets that will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into Oz, to VFX moments like levitating courtyards, flying monkeys, and talking animals, the magic of Oz feels real—even if it’s just a little over-the-top.
But, let’s be real, the over-the-top-ness just adds to the fun. The Oz Ball scene, in particular, is a standout moment, where the tension between Elphaba and Glinda boils over, leading to a cathartic emotional release.
Musical Mayhem
View this post on Instagram
Finally the music because this is where Wicked truly shines. The tunes are iconic (need a stronger word), and Chu knows exactly how to bring them to life on the screen. Defying Gravity will have you on the edge of your seat, while Popular will have you dancing and singing along.
Every single musical number is executed flawlessly, and the choreography adds that extra magic to each performance. The film’s pacing works well, though the second half is slightly longer than needed—still, the emotional payoff is more than worth it.
Wicked’s first half flows effortlessly, pulling you into the world and giving you just enough emotional depth to care about the characters. The second half, while a little more drawn out, is still satisfying and thrilling, culminating in an emotional climax that will have you at the edge of your seat. By the end, you’re not just watching the witches of Oz—you’re living their story, feeling their pain and triumphs right alongside them.
The Sister Code
And can we talk about the heart of this movie? Wicked’s brilliance lies in the complex, evolving relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. From rivals to friends, their journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, and it feels so real and raw.
This isn’t just a story about good vs. evil—it’s a story about two women, bound by their love and pain, navigating the complexities of power, friendship, and identity. Wicked proves that there’s no such thing as “pure good” or “pure evil”—and that’s the real magic of the story.
It’s also worth noting that this film only covers the first act of the musical, so you’re going to be waiting until Wicked Part 2 in 2025 to see how it all wraps up. But trust me, the first part is such a journey that you’ll be counting down the days until the next instalment.
Verdict: Go Grab Your Tickets
Just like its rival Gladiator II, Wicked is an ultimate popcorn film which deserves a big screen experience. It’s funny, emotional, visually stunning, and packed with killer performances. It’s the kind of film that appeals to die-hard fans of the musical and newcomers alike, pulling you into the world of Oz. Whether you’re a long-time Wicked fan or you’re just discovering the universe, this movie will make you laugh, cry, and leave you humming the soundtrack long after you’ve left the theatre.
