A Review of Wicked

Before the witches of Oz flew and the Yellow Brick Road was paved, there was another story to tell—one of friendship, power, and the duality of good and evil. Wicked, adapted from the hit Broadway musical, has finally made its way to the big screen, promising to enchant a new audience while carrying the weight of its theatrical legacy.

For the newcomers, Wicked reimagines the origins of the Wizard of Oz’s iconic characters—particularly Elphaba, the misunderstood girl destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, her bubbly, ambitious counterpart. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his visually stunning Crazy Rich Asians, the film takes us back to the pairs’ days at Shiz University, where a chance dorm assignment sets the stage for an unlikely, yet profound friendship.

The plot centers on Elphaba, born with green skin and ostracized by her peers, who discovers she has extraordinary magical abilities. She attends Shiz with hopes of winning the favor of the Wizard, only to find herself at odds with the regime’s oppressive policies. Meanwhile, Glinda begins as a shallow and fame-seeking student but gradually discovers a deeper sense of morality. Their friendship—and eventual rivalry—is tested as they navigate love, loss, and the politics of Oz.

One of the film’s most striking successes is its visual execution. Chu’s background in creating sumptuous, immersive worlds shines here, with the Land of Oz brought to life in dazzling detail. From the glittering Emerald City to the lustrous halls of Shiz, the cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. Sweeping aerial shots of the glittering Emerald City, lush green fields, and fantastical settings like the University of Shiz add to the sense of grandeur. The scenes are saturated with color and movement, creating a visually rich backdrop that feels both whimsical and alive. The costumes, designed by Catherine Martin, deserve special mention. Elphaba’s outfits evolve from humble, muted tones to her iconic black dress, mirroring her journey from an outcast to a powerful, defiant figure. Glinda’s wardrobe, on the other hand, is a confection of pastels and sparkle, perfectly embodying her public persona as Oz’s sweetheart.

However, while the visuals dazzle, the film occasionally stumbles in translating its emotional depth. The Broadway show’s strength lies in its intimate moments, where songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” provide insight into the characters’ inner lives. For instance, the staging of “For Good” on Broadway emphasized the emotional weight of Glinda and Elphaba's goodbye, starting on opposite ends of the stage and coming together as the song closes. In the film, this moment is erased. While the performances of Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) are commendable, the emotional resonance of their relationship feels slightly muted on screen. This is partly due to the pacing—the film rushes through certain key scenes, such as those of Elphaba and Glinda’s initial bonding and eventual falling out, which undermines the weight of their arc.

Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is a highlight. She captures the character’s vulnerability and strength, making her transformation into the so-called Wicked Witch both heartbreaking and empowering. Her rendition of “Defying Gravity” is a standout moment, combining raw emotion with vocal prowess. Grande’s Glinda, while visually and vocally stunning, lacks some of the depth that made the stage version so beloved. Her comedic timing shines in scenes like “Popular,” but her character’s evolution feels less pronounced.

Despite these shortcomings, Wicked excels in exploring its central theme: the blurred line between good and evil. The film’s portrayal of Elphaba as a misunderstood figure, vilified for her appearance and defiance, resonates deeply in today’s socio-political climate. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of questioning authority and standing up for one’s beliefs, even when the world misunderstands or condemns you.

The soundtrack, composed by Stephen Schwartz, remains a cornerstone of the story’s magic. While the orchestration has been expanded for the film, retaining the grandeur of the stage production, some fans may find the arrangements too polished, losing the raw emotion of the original score. However, songs like “No Good Deed” and “As Long As You’re Mine” still pack an emotional punch, thanks in large part to Erivo’s commanding performance.

Ultimately, Wicked is a visual spectacle that captures much of the charm and heart of its source material, even if it doesn’t quite reach the same emotional heights. Fans of the musical will appreciate the faithful adaptation, while newcomers will be swept away by the stunning visuals and timeless story. Though it stumbles in parts, the film’s core message—that people are more than the labels society imposes on them—shines through, making it a worthwhile journey down the Yellow Brick Road.

For those who have long cherished the Broadway production, Wicked is a reminder of why this story has resonated for nearly two decades. And for those new to Oz, it’s an invitation to see the witches’ side of the story, where good and wicked is not as clear-cut as it seems.