Movie Review – Wicked: Part One
Principal Cast : Cynthia Orivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Young, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Bronwyn James, Andy Nyman, Courtney Mae-Briggs, Keala Settle, Aaron Teoh.
Synopsis: Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.
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It’s hard to believe it’s taken two decades to bring Wicked, the enormously successful Broadway stage show based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel (itself a revisionist take on L. Frank Baum’s Oz books), to the big screen. While Baum’s literary series has proven tricky for filmmakers to adapt—beyond the classic 1939 Judy Garland musical The Wizard of Oz and darker takes like Return to Oz (1985) and Sam Raimi’s frenetic Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)—the 2003 Broadway stage show has endured as a global theatre phenomenon. Its consistent success at the box office clearly caught Hollywood’s attention, though attempts to adapt it into a film were stalled for years. Early efforts included a proposed television version in 2011, produced by Salma Hayek, which ultimately never materialised. With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande cast in the central roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, and Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) replacing original director Stephen Daldry, Wicked: Part One finally arrives as the first instalment of a two-film adaptation. The second part is set to release in December 2025, further building on the legacy of this cultural juggernaut.
The story of Wicked: Part One reimagines the land of Oz from the perspective of its iconic witches, focusing on the relationship between Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West, played by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (the Good Witch of the North, played by Ariana Grande). Beginning with Elphaba’s arrival at Shiz University, the narrative explores her struggles as a misunderstood, green-skinned outcast and her unexpected friendship with the ambitious, bubbly Glinda. This bond is tested by personal rivalries, romantic entanglements, and the corrupt politics of Oz, embodied by the manipulative Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and his enforcer, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). Elphaba’s growing magical powers and her increasing awareness of the injustices in Oz ultimately lead her to take a stand against tyranny, transforming her into the misunderstood figure feared by many.
Simply put, Wicked: Part One is a triumph. The film is a magical spectacle, from its stellar production design and an adapted screenplay brimming with emotional depth to the outstanding performances and the unforgettable soundtrack. It masterfully balances the whimsy and joy of the original 1939 film with the darker, edgier tone modern audiences expect. Jon M. Chu and his creative team have crafted an engaging cinematic experience that blends fantasy and humanity with finesse, akin to the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and J.K. Rowling. The visual palette of Wicked feels like a mix of the Chris Columbus-directed Harry Potter films and Disney’s The Chronicles of Narnia, creating a world of talking animals, magic, and grandiose settings, all grounded by a story rich in subtext.
Screenwriters Winnie Holzman (who wrote the original stage book) and Dana Fox have done a commendable job adapting the material, seamlessly integrating elements from Maguire’s novel and the stage show’s beloved script. They also expand on key subplots, particularly the dynamic between Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University. The emotional resonance of Elphaba’s journey—a green-skinned “freak” ostracised by society—and Glinda’s transformation from a narcissistic socialite into a more complex character is pivotal to the film’s success. Both Chu’s direction and the remarkable performances of Erivo and Grande elevate this relationship into a powerful centrepiece for the film.
Cynthia Erivo delivers a deeply moving portrayal of Elphaba, imbuing the character with vulnerability and strength. Her journey from a hesitant young woman to the defiant, powerful Witch of the West is a slow burn that pays off spectacularly by the film’s climax. Ariana Grande, meanwhile, is a revelation as Glinda, capturing the character’s effervescent charm and underlying insecurity. Grande’s portrayal—a delightful blend of Cher from Clueless and Elle Woods from Legally Blonde—brings a buoyant energy to the screen. The chemistry between the two leads is electric, grounding the film’s fantastical elements in a deeply human story. Supporting players like Jonathan Bailey as the princely Fiyero Tigelaar and Marissa Bode as Elphaba’s paraplegic sister Nessarose also leave strong impressions, while Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard add intrigue and gravitas, even if their arcs feel like they’re being held back for Part Two.
One of the film’s standout achievements is its seamless integration of music into the narrative. Musical numbers often risk stalling a film’s momentum, but Wicked avoids this pitfall by ensuring each song drives the story forward. Iconic numbers like “No One Mourns the Wicked”, “The Wizard and I”, and “Popular” are presented with dazzling flair, while the show-stopping “Defying Gravity” closes the film on a soaring high note. Chu’s decision to maintain the song’s placement as the Act One finale honours the stage show’s structure, and the visual spectacle of Elphaba taking flight is nothing short of breathtaking. Both Erivo and Grande deliver extraordinary vocal performances, backed by a superb ensemble cast. While Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum’s singing abilities may not be as strong, their interpretations of the material are serviceable and well-matched to their characters.
The production value of Wicked: Part One is nothing short of extraordinary. The sets, costumes, and practical effects transport viewers to the vibrant world of Oz with remarkable detail and imagination. Shiz University’s ornate library, with its spiralling cylindrical shelving, and the sprawling splendour of the Emerald City are visual highlights. Costume design is equally impressive, with Elphaba’s evolving wardrobe and Glinda’s opulent gowns standing out among the film’s colourful ensembles. The film’s visual effects, sound design, and audio mix are all of the highest calibre, while Alice Brooks’ cinematography captures the rich textures and vibrant colours of Oz in stunning detail. Myron Kerstein’s editing ensures the narrative flows smoothly, balancing the musical numbers with the quieter, character-driven moments.
Ultimately, Wicked: Part One succeeds because of its two central performances. Erivo and Grande carry the emotional weight of the story with aplomb, creating characters that feel authentic and relatable despite their fantastical surroundings. Erivo’s nuanced portrayal of Elphaba anchors the film, while Grande’s radiant charm as Glinda provides the perfect foil. Together, they make the audience care deeply about their friendship and the challenges they face, ensuring the film’s emotional beats land with maximum impact.
Wicked: Part One is an operatic, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant film that stands as a landmark in modern musical cinema. By respecting its stage origins while embracing the possibilities of film, it achieves a rare balance of spectacle and substance. Fans of the stage production, musicals, and the Oz mythology will find much to love here, and even sceptics may be won over by the film’s sheer ambition and execution. While it remains to be seen whether Part Two can stick the landing, this first instalment is a resounding success and an instant classic that will enchant audiences for generations to come.