After almost two decades of Broadway success, Wicked has taken the yellow brick road to the big screen. Much anticipation has come with the news of this film adaptation of the musical. But can the movie really be worth all the excitement, or should Wicked have stayed on stage?
To understand the pivotal role Wicked had in the musical universe, having some knowledge about its connection to The Wizard of Oz will help. Wicked is an imagined prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the backstories of the two witches, Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch), focusing on the choices that shaped who they became, their complicated friendship, and the dilemmas they faced in the land of Oz. The original Wizard of Oz was written by L. Frank Baum in 1900, while Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995) by Gregory Maguire reimagines the witches’ backstories. Wicked premiered as a Broadway musical on October 30, 2003.
Diehard fans of the Broadway musical question if the movie will capture the same magic in set design, characters, and music. Spoiler alert: It does! From start to finish, viewers are transported to a magical world that is as visually breathtaking as it is emotionally chilling. And of course, the stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo performed like no other.
Wicked is a visual masterpiece starting in the dreamlike world of Oz, bringing iconic sets to life in a way stage productions could never achieve. Every frame looks like a piece of art, making it hard to focus on the story because of the fantastical world surrounding it. The performances by Erivo as Elphaba and Grande as Glinda will leave you craving more. Erivo’s strong and powerful voice brings Elphaba’s misunderstood character to life, allowing the Wicked Witch to have depth and show vulnerability. This assumed ‘wicked’ character manages to balance Elphaba’s fierceness with moments of sensitivity, making her more complex than the villain we know from The Wizard of Oz and instead a role to look up to.
Grande, who has wanted the role of Glinda ever since she saw the play, brings to screens an unexpected yet perfect touch to the forever loved character. With experience in acting at a young age, Grande carries her award winning vocal capabilities into her role, with hilarious comedic timing, winning over fans who weren’t quite sure of the casting choice. The chemistry between these two is electric, especially in their renditions of iconic songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good”. These performances don’t just live up to the stage musical, they elevate it.
The movie Wicked captures every captivating note, however the Broadway version of the score became so widespread, it became hard for fans to imagine a new version on screen. Famous songs like “Popular,” “Defying Gravity,” and “For Good” come to life in the film, achieving the same effect as they did on stage, regardless of how familiar you are with the Oz universe. The music is both uplifting and emotional, capturing the complexity of the characters’ journeys and the world they inhabit. The emotions of each character are vividly expressed through their singing, which helps explain why Wicked became one of the most iconic and beloved musicals of all time.
Is Wicked the most significant movie released in 2024? Maybe… There are instances where the pacing drags, which could be confusing for viewers who aren’t already familiar with the storyline. Nevertheless, the film is magnificently shot and a rewatch. Some parts of the plot can be difficult to follow, particularly if you haven’t read the book or seen the stage production, but purposeful scenes might not come across. But these minor moments are nothing compared to the overall experience of magic and production. Wicked definitely deserves its place on the big screen as a visual and musical triumph with outstanding special effects, indescribable performances, and songs that will make you want to come back for part two. Whether you’re a Wicked aficionado or don’t know anything about the land of Oz, this film will leave you feeling emotionally moved and invested. Yes, every musical and magical moment is worth the hype.
