Movie musicals comprise some of the most defining films in cinematic history. Films like The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music broke barriers and have withstood the test of time. However, contemporary movie musicals are Hollywood’s Achilles heel. When announced, they’re automatically subjected to towering expectations from die-hard fans of the franchise; any misstep is deemed a colossal failure of vision. From outright flops like Cats (2019) to vapid adaptations like Mean Girls (2024), these films are typically doomed from the get-go.
So it should come as no surprise that Wicked was amongst the most-awaited films of the decade. First announced by Universal Pictures in 2016 for a 2019 release date, news of the film sent shockwaves of anticipation throughout the musical theater community. But production delays set back the release until this November.
Over the past few months, the movie has become a cultural sensation marketed ad nauseum. As I scrolled through the endless reels, trailers and promotional material propagated on my social media feeds, the devout theater kid in me experienced a rising apprehension and eagerness.
As one of the most defining musicals of the twenty-first century, expectations for this iteration of Wicked were steep; the film had to live up to the standards of excellence created and perfected by decades of Broadway and global runs. It was a herculean undertaking, to say the least.
The Wicked that opened in theatres on Friday was well aware of its duty. Under bold and inventive direction by Crazy Rich Asians’ Jon M. Chu, costuming by Tony-Award winning Paul Tazwell and orchestrations by composer Jeff Atmajian, the film sizzles with life, executing a bubbly and nuanced rendition of its source material.
Flying monkeys, talking animals and humans transported by bubbles are just a few joyfully ludicrous elements of the film, offering a visionary take on the 2003 musical. Similar to Chu’s previous works, Wicked is exceedingly over-the-top, reminiscent of the theatricality of Baz Luhrmann films like Moulin Rouge (2001) or The Great Gatsby (2013).
Based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire, Wicked chronicles the events predating The Wizard of Oz (1939). The audience is given a new perspective on the Wicked Witch of the West— instead of a ruthless, cackling antagonist, we meet Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a prodigal sorcerer deeply misunderstood. A product of her mother’s infidelity, Elphaba is cursed by her green skin and left to take care of her disabled sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode).
We also meet the effervescent Galinda (Ariana Grande)—who eventually changes her name to Glinda—revered amongst her peers to an excruciating degree (throughout the movie, she is flanked by her best friend Pfannee, a scene-stealing Bowen Yang). When Glinda and Elphaba are paired as roommates at Shiz University—the premiere boarding school for sorcery in Oz— they strike up an adversarial acquaintanceship that morphs into a profound friendship. Under the exacting guidance of Headmistress Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), Elphaba learns to harness her magical powers.
Despite the narrative juggernaut that is Wicked, the film manages to faithfully render its complex plot. Oz, a place that once harmoniously blended animals and humans, munchkins and sorcerers, faces a sinister threat. Though the omen is ambiguous, animals are scapegoated and removed from their posts at Shiz. Elphaba quests to save these animals from their impending captivity, making herself the nemesis of Oz’s citizens, who unite around this common enemy.
Above all, Wicked is the classic meditation on an unlikely friendship, where two women find kinship with one another despite the world driving them in wholly separate directions.
The film is made remarkable by two career-defining performances in Grande and Erivo, who give powerhouse portrayals of Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. Taking on the iconic roles of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway was no minor undertaking, but both actresses triumphantly rose to the challenge, executing distinct and memorable performances.
Grande breathes new life into Glinda, nailing her shallowness and signature narcissism. Grande’s Glinda is absurdly self-absorbed, populating her and Elphaba’s room entirely with suitcases of her belongings. Erivo’s Elphaba is soft-spoken at times and a force to be reckoned with at others. Through her warm singing voice, Elphaba is offered a refreshing softness masked by her hard exterior, which adds new complexity to a role already ingrained in the musical theater canon. Together, their chemistry is sublime, with voices so sonically in sync that they seamlessly fade into one, soaring around Stephen Schwartz’s beautifully orchestrated score.
The musical’s orchestrations lend beautifully to a cinematic format. On a production level, Wicked’s orchestrations are nothing short of a masterpiece, utilizing a 125-piece symphony. The movie opens and closes with a whimsical overture and entracte, medlying songs from Wicked’s iconic score.
For all of its show-stopping appeal, Wicked is not without its flaws. The story is set to be released in two installments, with the latter half of the story set to arrive in November 2025. Still, it runs 2 hours and 40 minutes, longer than the full-stage musical, excluding intermission. The decision to halt the story at its midpoint also disrupts the flow of the narrative, leaving no recourse after Erivo sings “Defying Gravity” while suspended in the air.
Despite the length and abrupt conclusion, the film’s spectacle and whimsical production design make for an enthralling watch. The immersive sets, vibrant costumes and colorful scenic design are a feast for the eyes and pair brilliantly with the orchestral overtones.
While we can't tell how much of a cultural impact Wicked will make just yet, it has already broken records at the box office, grossing $114 million in its opening weekend alone. Released on the same day as Gladiator II, analysts are predicting a sequel to the Barbenheimer phenomenon in the summer of 2023 that sent moviegoers to theatres in record numbers and helped revitalize a declining cinema industry. As we gear up for Wicked’s second act, it remains to be seen whether the rest of the film will measure up to the first. Until then, I will be streaming the soundtrack on repeat.