Wicked, the long-awaited film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, has finally arrived more than two decades after its debut. With legions of fans—including myself—eager to see if it could live up to the hype, I’m happy to say it more than defies expectations.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, who brought boundless energy to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 2021 movie musical In the Heights, Wicked dazzles with a fresh, thrilling reimagining that will captivate audiences everywhere.

A New Take on Oz

The film opens in the iconic land of Oz, where the Munchkins joyfully sing, “Good news! She’s Dead!” after the Wicked Witch of the West’s demise. Glinda the Good Witch (Ariana Grande) arrives and reveals she once knew the notorious witch, sparking a flashback to their time at Shiz University. There, the popular, bubbly Glinda meets Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a green-skinned, ostracized student with magical powers far stronger than anyone’s.

What follows is an unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, who must both navigate a world of magic, danger, and betrayal. Alongside Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) and a journey to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), they soon discover that not everything is as it seems.

Epic Musical Numbers, Emotional Moments

Impressively, the film also balances its exuberance with emotional depth. Elphaba’s bond with Dr. Dillamond (Peter Dinklage), a professor who speaks out against the oppression of talking animals, offers one of the film’s most poignant moments.

A Faithful Adaptation

Screenwriters Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox succeed in staying true to the original musical while making the story feel fresh. The film is a faithful, immersive experience at nearly two hours and forty minutes. The standout number, “The Wizard and I,” sung by Elphaba (Erivo), is a tour de force, leaving the audience in awe of Erivo’s powerhouse vocals.

Likewise, “What Is This Feeling?” and “Popular” offer a new take on the rivalry-turned-friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. “Dancing Through Life,” led by Jonathan Bailey’s charming Fiyero, is thrilling. And, of course, the climactic “Defying Gravity” is breathtaking and everything fans could hope for.

Stellar Performances

At the heart of the film’s magic are its leads. Ariana Grande shines as Glinda delivers her trademark charm and wit, while Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba steals the show. Erivo brings an extraordinary depth to the character, blending vulnerability and strength in a performance that is nothing short of masterful.

Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is a career-defining performance that warrants serious award consideration. While Grande is excellent, it’s Erivo who indeed commands the screen.

Minor Criticisms

While the film remains faithful to the original script, this sometimes leads to pacing issues, with certain scenes feeling drawn out. The cinematography is striking, but the color grading occasionally feels flat, detracting from the vibrant, magical world that Wicked should evoke.

Conclusion

Wicked is a triumph. Jon M. Chu’s direction, combined with standout performances from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, captures the heart and magic of the stage musical while infusing the story with new life. This is a film that fans will want to celebrate—and sing along to while we anticipate the upcoming sequel.