Movie: Wicked Part-I (2024)

Wicked, the long-awaited film adaptation of Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s Broadway musical, has finally arrived on the big screen, and it brings with it a world of magic, spectacle, and heartfelt performances. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his vibrant and dynamic direction in Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, this movie is a visual feast that offers a fresh take on the beloved musical while still holding true to the themes that have made Wicked a cultural phenomenon.

Plot and Storytelling

Set in the land of Oz, Wicked reimagines the familiar world of The Wizard of Oz, but from the perspective of the witches. The story centers around the complex relationship between two unlikely friends: Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch of the North). The musical explores themes of friendship, betrayal, identity, and the blurry line between good and evil.

The first part of the two-part film adaptation (slated for a two-part release) primarily focuses on Elphaba's journey — her struggles with societal expectations, her magical abilities, and her increasingly complicated relationship with Glinda. At the same time, the movie dives into the political landscape of Oz, where power, corruption, and fear define the system. These elements give the story an additional layer of depth that complements the original musical’s more personal struggles.

While the plot might feel familiar to fans of the stage production, Wicked does a great job of expanding the world and providing a fresh perspective on its themes. There’s more attention to the backstory of the Wizard (portrayed by Jeff Goldblum), the rise of the Wicked Witch’s notoriety, and the complicated dynamics between the characters. The pacing can feel a little slow in places, especially in the first act, but the emotional payoff is worth it by the time the iconic "Defying Gravity" sequence arrives.

Performances

At the heart of Wicked are the performances of its two leads: Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. The casting is arguably the film's greatest strength. Grande brings her signature vocal prowess and charisma to the role of Glinda, infusing the character with both humor and a surprising amount of vulnerability. Her comic timing is impeccable, and she shines in the more light-hearted moments, but also handles the emotional complexities of the character with depth.

Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is a revelation. She brings a rawness and intensity to the role, delivering one of the most powerful performances of her career. Her voice is nothing short of extraordinary, and she makes "Defying Gravity" soar to new heights, capturing the full emotional weight of the song. Erivo’s Elphaba is fiercely independent and unapologetically herself, and her performance is a beautiful mix of strength, sadness, and determination.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard brings his trademark eccentricity to the role, adding layers of ambiguity to a character who has long been seen as a villain. Michelle Yeoh, as Madame Morrible, exudes both menace and charm, and her complex portrayal of power and manipulation adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Direction and Visuals

Jon M. Chu has truly outdone himself with the visual spectacle of Wicked. The film feels larger-than-life, with sweeping landscapes, intricate set designs, and dazzling special effects that bring Oz to vibrant life. The use of color is particularly striking — Oz has never looked more magical, and the contrast between the vibrant city of Emerald City and the darker, more forbidding parts of the land enhances the emotional contrasts of the story.

The musical numbers are choreographed with precision, and the transitions between scenes feel seamless, as if the stage production's magic has been translated to film without losing its theatricality. Defying Gravity, in particular, is an awe-inspiring moment, expertly crafted to leave a lasting impact on the audience.

Musical Numbers

The music of Wicked is timeless, and it’s a joy to hear these iconic songs brought to life with such talent. Songs like "Popular," "For Good," and of course, "Defying Gravity," are all here, and the performances do not disappoint. The arrangement and sound design in the film are top-notch, with the orchestra swelling beautifully behind the vocal performances. There are moments where the songs feel even more emotionally resonant on screen than they did on stage, thanks to the close-ups of the performers’ faces and the grandeur of the visual effects.

One of the more interesting elements of the film is the inclusion of a few new songs and reworked versions of existing ones. These additions feel natural and enhance the narrative, giving some of the characters more space to grow, especially Elphaba and Glinda.

Criticism

As with any major adaptation, Wicked isn’t without its flaws. The film can feel overly reliant on its visual spectacle at times, with a few plot points that feel rushed or glossed over in the midst of all the grandeur. Some fans of the stage musical might miss the quieter moments of introspection that the Broadway show afforded, as the movie leans heavily into its big-budget appeal.

Additionally, there’s the question of pacing, especially in the first half of the film. While the emotional beats are strong, the narrative can sometimes feel a bit slow, and certain side plots, such as the political intrigue, don’t always land as smoothly as they could.

Final Thoughts

Wicked is a bold, visually stunning adaptation that mostly succeeds in bringing the magic of the stage to the screen. Thanks to its star-studded cast, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable music, the film has the potential to captivate both fans of the original musical and newcomers to the story. While it doesn’t entirely escape the pitfalls of being a large-scale adaptation, it remains a solid and emotionally impactful introduction to the world of Oz — one that is sure to leave audiences eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

If you're a fan of the musical or just love a story with heart, spectacle, and fantastic performances, Wicked is definitely worth the watch.

Rating: 4/5