As huge fans of musicals, "Wicked" was one of our most anticipated films of the year, and under the direction of Jon M. Chu, it delivers an outstanding adaptation. This big-screen retelling honors its award-winning source material while expanding its emotional and visual scope, offering powerful performances, breathtaking set pieces, and stellar choreography that showcase the unique possibilities with the proper use of film as a medium.
The story follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), born with green skin and ostracized for her appearance, and Galinda (Ariana Grande), a popular and ambitious sorcery student. Despite their stark differences, the two become room mates and forge an unexpected deep friendship at Shiz University. However, when Elphaba’s extraordinary talents attract the attention of the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), their bond is tested, and their paths diverge in unexpected ways.
Initially, the decision to split "Wicked" into two parts raised concerns about pacing and narrative satisfaction. Yet, the first installment, at three hours long, feels neither incomplete nor overextended. The film strikes a balance, building to a thunderous finale that leaves audiences both fulfilled and eager for more. Chu also successfully retains the essence of the stage production while enhancing it with cinematic nuances impossible to capture in live theater. These changes are not too drastic which some could perceive lacking but for us it wasn't at all.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver career-defining performances, embodying their characters with depth and authenticity. Their portrayals bring unexpected emotional and dramatic resonance, while their vocal performances add a fresh yet faithful take on the iconic songs. Both actresses create a dynamic chemistry that anchors the film, drawing audiences deeply into their relationship.
While this first chapter does not provide the full story, it offers enough material to stand on its own, creating a thrilling and emotionally rich experience regardless of its completeness. "Wicked" is not only a testament to the enduring power of its source material but also a shining example of how adaptations can elevate storytelling further in the proper hands.
Wicked (Wicked: Part 1) Movie Review: Defying Gravity
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