Director
Jon M. Chu
(CRAZY RICH ASIANS, IN THE HEIGHTS)

Starring
Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey and Michelle Yeoh

Director Jon M. Chu’s Wicked is the first part of two films adapting the masterful Broadway hit that has endeared audiences around the world for the past 21 years. Focusing on the first act of its stage counterpart,  it is an enchanting triumph that breathes new life into the beloved musical, dazzling audiences with its visual splendour, heartfelt performances, and timeless themes. The film successfully translates the magic of the stage to the big screen, delivering a cinematic experience that feels both intimate and grand, whilst also adding layers that we didn’t know we needed. This prequel of sorts to the beloved 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz (and L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ before that) can be appreciated by pre-existing ‘Ozian’s’ and newcomers alike.   

From the moment we enter the land of Oz, the film envelops us in its vibrant, meticulously crafted world. The production design and cinematography bring an immersive depth to iconic locations like Shiz University, the Emerald City, and the dark, foreboding woods. The use of rich, saturated colours and sweeping camera movements complements the musical’s larger-than-life nature, making the film a feast for the eyes. The choreography of Christopher Scott, who has teamed up with Jon M. Chu previously on In The Heights, is without a doubt, masterful. I’m by no means a dance aficionado, but the choreographed routines throughout Wicked are mesmerising to say the least.

Ariana Grande-Butera and Cynthia Erivo shine as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, embodying the characters with nuance and charisma. Grande-Butera perhaps had the biggest shoes to fill, given how iconic Kristin Chenoweth’s sound and mannerisms are, yet she still manages to bring her own mix of charm and comedic timing to the role of Glinda.  The chemistry between Grande-Butera and Erivo is electric, and their duet of “Defying Gravity” is a standout moment, a truly emotional and musical high point that leaves you breathless.

Prior to the release of the film, there was much controversy in relation to an AI edited poster that was released on social media. A fan edited a promotional poster of the film to better emulate the iconic Broadway poster, and in doing do, obscured the faces of Erivo and Grande-Butera. Erivo was highly vocal in her criticism of the edit, offended that her features had been virtually erased from the image. The irony in all of this is that Erivo needn’t have worried, because for most of the 160-minute running time of the film, it’s impossible to take your eyes off of her Elphaba, such is the captivating performance she turns in. Erivo’s powerful voice and emotional depth anchor the story as the misunderstood Elphaba in a way that isn’t achievable on stage. The close ups and raw emotion on display add a dimension to the character that we haven’t seen before. As such, there is every possibility that a third Oscar nomination may be headed Erivo’s way in 2025.  

The support performances are elite, especially that of Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero, who swaggers about with charm, sex-appeal and just a perfect ounce of camp-frivolity.  Michelle Yeoh disarms us effectively as Madame Morrible, and whilst she doesn’t quite have the vocal chops that would be needed on stage, her presence is enough to make the role memorable just the same. There isn’t a single casting choice throughout that is at all questionable, which with a cast of this size, is a feat within itself.

The film preserves the heart of Stephen Schwartz’s iconic score, with arrangements that feel fresh while staying true to the original. Numbers like “Popular” and “For Good” are staged with creativity and flair, ensuring they resonate just as strongly on-screen as they do on stage.

At its core, Wicked is a tale of friendship, acceptance, and the courage to embrace one’s true self. The screenplay balances humour, drama and romance while delving into the political and social complexities of Oz. Themes of prejudice, power, and redemption feel especially relevant, adding layers of meaning to the film’s stunning visuals and rousing songs.

Wicked is a spellbinding adaptation that will delight longtime fans and newcomers to its magic. It’s a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of looking beyond first impressions. With its memorable performances, stunning visuals, and soaring music, this film is destined to leave audiences utterly spellbound. After nervously stumbling into the cinema myself, with trepidation coursing through my veins, worried that no film could do justice to the Broadway masterpiece, I cannot comprehend not only the relief, but the pure jubilation that this didn’t merely equal its predecessor but elevated it to a level I wasn’t even prepared for. Now comes the excruciating wait for Part Two in 2025.

Wicked is in cinemas nationally from November 21^st.