Review: ‘Wicked’ sets soaring standard for modern movie musicals

Through accepting limits, the cast and crew defied gravity and hit new heights with Wicked. 

The musical film broke opening-weekend box office records for the highest-grossing Broadway film adaptation while earning $163 million, and continues to rank in the box office months after its release. 

And—I’m going to hold your finger when I say this— the movie’s success is for good reason. 

The Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights) film adapts the first act of the popular Broadway musical inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel to the big screen, revealing the origins of the Wizard of Oz’s most iconic characters. Set in the visually stunning but authoritarian land of Oz, Wicked is a timely song of friendship and resistance in the face of persecution. 

With a significant display of magic, young witch Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) captures the interest of Shiz University professor Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) and the jealousy of perky Shiz student Galinda (Ariana Grande). Elphaba, ostracized her whole life for her green skin, jumps at the chance to prove herself when offered a spot at the school. 

Forced to be roommates, Elphaba and Galinda’s rivalry slowly blossoms into a strong if not unlikely friendship. However, a revelatory encounter with the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) tests their friendship, leaving Oz’s fate in the hands of the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. 

A grand yet intimate production, Wicked proves what a movie musical can be when it stays true to its roots while taking full advantage of the film medium. 

The musical numbers are jaw-dropping with crisp and explosive instrumentals, breathtaking vocals and Christopher Scott’s intricate, captivating choreography. In “Popular,” Scott’s flowy, over-the-top routine emphasizes the lyrics’ comic absurdity while Galinda teaches her roommate the tricks behind popularity. 

Combined with Paul Tazewell’s symbolic costumes, Nathan Crowley’s extravagant sets and Chu’s careful direction, Wicked is a thoughtfully crafted and thoroughly immersive experience. Every element works together to transport audiences to Oz, including the cast’s undeniable strength and star power.

From cheeky cameos, Jonathan Bailey’s devastating charm as Prince Fiyero and Goldblum’s dubious ease as the Wizard, Wicked boasts a strong supporting cast who bring the film to life. 

Leads Erivo and Grande were also exceptional. Erivo adds new depths to Elphaba through her subtly commanding screen presence. Close-ups of her minute facial expressions perfectly capture the steely determination behind her eyes and the hope and vulnerability that slip through her steadfast confidence. In song, Erivo shows effortless control. Her rich and dynamic vocals in “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity” set a raw, empowered tone for the duration of the film. 

Equally captivating is Grande’s Galinda, striking the perfect blend of misguided and genuine. Coupled with the choice to lean into the character’s comic superficiality with an exaggerated hair toss, Grande makes a vain character not only likeable, but irresistible. 

Individually, Erivo and Grande’s all-encompassing performances shine. Together, their chemistry is spellbinding. 

While Galinda and Elphaba’s dynamic could have benefited from more on-screen development to make the transition from “unadulterated loathing” to unbreakable kinship less abrupt, once established, their friendship was moving. During a particularly vulnerable and validating silent dance sequence, their electric bond solidified, backed by John Powell’s magical score. 

While the splashy musical numbers steal the show, these quieter, more intimate moments comprise the film’s profound soul. Chu wasn’t afraid to slow down, pause the singing and strip scenes back to only the raw emotions—a feat which is almost impossible in a stage production. 

Ultimately, Wicked is powerful, whimsical and utterly enthralling. With a careful hand, the wildly talented Wicked team expands on the beloved lore and story into an aptly-timed emotional whirlwind well worth the 2 hour and 40 minute runtime. 

With big shoes to fill, Wicked: For Good, is releasing later this year as the second half of the story. The sequel must show the same amount of magic, care and precision to live up to the standard set by its predecessor. 

Featured image by IMDb.