Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle
Genre: Musical
Director: Jon M. Chu
In Irish Cinemas: 22nd November 2024
Director Jon M. Chu delivers a dazzling cinematic spectacle with Wicked, an adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel. This vibrant production serves as a reimagined prequel to The Wizard of Oz and a profoundly moving exploration of the origins of one of its most iconic characters, the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film explores Elphaba’s early life, offering a rich, song-filled character study that shines with powerhouse performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Erivo brings depth and emotional resonance to her portrayal of the misunderstood Elphaba, while Grande charms as the effervescent Glinda. Their performances will captivate die-hard musical theatre enthusiasts and devoted fans of the classic Oz universe.
Notably, this ambitious Wicked adaptation is only the beginning, with the story set to unfold across two films. Though this two-part structure hasn’t been heavily emphasised in marketing, it signals the epic scope of the project, promising an even more immersive journey into the enchanting and morally complex world of Oz.
Wicked begins where The Wizard of Oz ends: with the Wicked Witch of the West reduced to a puddle, defeated by a well-aimed splash of water. Dorothy and her companions celebrate their victory as they head down the Yellow Brick Road, leaving the Munchkins to revel in their freedom. However, the joyous atmosphere is interrupted when Glinda the Good Witch (Ariana Grande) descends from the sky in her iconic floating bubble. Upon arrival, she is questioned about her connection to the so-called villain.
To their surprise, Glinda reveals a more complicated story behind the green-skinned figure known as the Wicked Witch. Her name was Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a misunderstood young woman with extraordinary abilities. As Glinda recounts their shared past, the tale flashes back to their time together at Shiz University. Elphaba, the protective and determined older sister of Nessarose (Marissa Bode), arrives at Shiz to care for her disabled sibling. Reserved yet self-assured, Elphaba instantly clashes with Glinda, a vain, self-absorbed socialite who exudes charisma but hides insecurity beneath her polished exterior.
Their rivalry reaches a boiling point early, especially when Elphaba demonstrates her impressive magical talent during a heated moment. When a professor carelessly tries to move Nessarose’s wheelchair, Elphaba’s protective instincts unleash her raw powers. This display catches the attention of the manipulative Madam Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), who recognises Elphaba’s untapped potential and piques the interest of the ambitious Glinda, who dabbles in sorcery herself.
Forced to share a room, the two young women channel their mutual disdain into the spirited and comedic duet “What Is This Feeling?” Yet, as their lives at Shiz unfold, their animosity begins to soften. A series of shared experiences—including moments of unexpected kindness, a disastrous prank, and a tangled love triangle with the dashing yet free-spirited Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey)—pushes them toward an unlikely but profound friendship.
The turning point comes when Elphaba is invited to the Emerald City for a private audience with the mysterious Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum, delivering a restrained yet enigmatic performance). Glinda accompanies her friend, but their visit reveals the dark truth behind the Emerald City’s glimmering facade. As Elphaba grapples with betrayal and injustice, she resolves to use her growing powers to challenge the system, even if it means becoming a target herself. Her newfound purpose marks the beginning of her transformation—and the roots of her infamous reputation.
Jon M. Chu pulls out all the stops to transform the celebrated stage production of Wicked into a full-fledged cinematic epic. Drawing inspiration from the classic MGM adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, Chu infuses his film with grandeur. He utilises sprawling sets, a massive ensemble of dancers, and intricately choreographed musical numbers to immerse audiences in the magical land of Oz.
To elevate the story even further, he layers in dazzling visual effects that bring the fantastical elements of the world to life. Talking animals engage in heartfelt conversations, courtyards defy gravity as they levitate, and the infamous flying monkeys soar through the skies with an ominous presence. While these VFX flourishes are deliberately stylised, lending an artificial glow to much of the imagery, this aesthetic choice heightens Oz’s otherworldly, dreamlike quality.
Though the visual effects are never meant to feel entirely accurate, they succeed in crafting a vibrant, surreal atmosphere that underscores the story’s magical and mythical roots. In Chu’s hands, the film balances the theatricality of the original musical with the larger-than-life possibilities of cinema, creating a version of Oz that feels familiar and enchantingly new.
As expected in any great musical, Wicked truly shines during its grand ensemble numbers. The entire cast comes together to deliver electrifying performances that elevate the film’s energy and spectacle to new heights. These moments capture the heart and soul of the production, showcasing the cast’s chemistry and the seamless integration of music, choreography, and storytelling.
Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda is a standout, infusing the character with a delightful zaniness that feels fresh yet true to her essence. Grande masterfully wields her operatic vibrato to accentuate even the most absurdly humorous lyrics, creating a dazzling and irresistibly entertaining performance. Her star power is undeniable, as she commands the screen with a blend of poise, charm, and an exuberant flair befitting a global pop icon. Her Glinda is a perfect mix of elegance and whimsy, an effervescent presence that remains compelling even as the film ventures into darker, more emotionally charged territory.
What’s particularly impressive is how Grande’s larger-than-life performance never overshadows Cynthia Erivo’s deeply poignant portrayal of Elphaba. As the narrative takes a dramatic turn in the third act, the tonal shift allows both actors to shine in harmony rather than compete for attention. The connection between Grande and Erivo feels authentic, and their performances perfectly complement one another to amplify the story’s emotional resonance. By the film’s climactic moments, their synchronised chemistry elevates the stakes, delivering an unforgettable and heart-wrenching finale long after the credits roll.
It’s hard to find much to criticise about Wicked, though a few minor issues with CGI and lighting may catch the eye. However, these slight imperfections are quickly overshadowed by the film’s dazzling spectacle, a visual and emotional feast that genuinely demands to be experienced on the big screen. As we approach Oscar season, seeing this movie rack up many nominations wouldn’t be surprising. From its breathtaking production design to its stellar performances, Wicked is poised to be a significant contender, capturing hearts and critical acclaim alike.
Overall: 10/10
Movie Reviewer
