The long-awaited Wicked film finally soared into theaters last year, and it is clearly nothing short of a triumph. Based on the beloved Broadway musical, this cinematic adaptation fires on all cylinders, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally charged experience that cements its place as one of 2024’s standout movies. Visually, the movie is a feast. Director Jon M. Chu has crafted a vibrant, immersive world where every detail, from the whimsical Emerald City to the eerie shadows of Elphaba’s struggles, feels alive.
This was my first experience with Wicked, having never seen the Broadway show or heard the music beyond the iconic chorus of “Defying Gravity.” Let’s be honest I walked in knowing two things: someone sings really high, and there’s a bucket of water involved. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I’d connect with the story or how thoroughly Cynthia Erivo would steal my heart (and possibly my tear ducts).
The story itself is a gut-wrenching exploration of what it means to be misunderstood, and watching Elphaba’s journey from idealistic dreamer to so-called “wicked” villain is both heartbreaking and infuriating. How do we as a society let this happen? Cynthia Erivo’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary. From her quiet moments of vulnerability to her fierce, commanding presence in the film’s most climactic scenes, Erivo brings a depth and humanity to Elphaba that is unforgettable. She perfectly balances the character’s strength and fragility, making her journey feel authentic and deeply personal. It’s a portrayal that lingers with you long after the film ends and solidifies Erivo as one of the finest performers of her generation. She doesn’t just sing the notes, she owns them. It’s the kind of performance that makes you sit up straighter in your seat and think, “Wow, I’ll never hit that note in karaoke, but I respect it.”
I wasn’t sure about Ariana Grande’s Glinda initially. Her chipper, over-the-top energy leaned toward annoying in the beginning. But then I realized: that’s the point. Glinda is supposed to be a little extra, and Grande plays her with just the right balance of charm and camp. By the end, I found myself genuinely enjoying her take on the character, especially as she peels back Glinda’s bubbly facade to reveal her depth and vulnerability.
The supporting cast also deserves a shout-out. Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero, who seems to exist mainly as the male eye candy, but he’s undeniably charismatic and brings a solid performance. And Bowen Yang as one of Glinda’s sassy sidekicks? Absolute gold. He doesn’t have a ton of screen time, but every moment he’s on screen is a delight. These characters add humor and warmth, balancing out the film’s heavier themes.
Jeff Goldblum shines as the deceitful Wizard of Oz, bringing his signature charm and sly wit to a character who is as manipulative as he is magnetic. He’s the kind of villain who smiles while pulling the strings, and Goldblum makes him a delightfully cunning presence. Meanwhile, Michelle Yeoh is captivating as Madame Morrible, a character who turns out to be so much more than she initially appears. Yeoh’s gravitas and layered performance make her a standout in an already impressive cast.
One unexpected highlight? The flying monkeys. Seeing how they were created was bizarrely fascinating and a little unsettling in the best way. I never thought I’d find myself saying, “Wow, those monkeys are kind of tragic,” but here we are. It’s moments like these that show the filmmakers’ ability to make even the weirdest parts of Oz feel grounded and meaningful.
The emotional ending is where Wicked truly cements its greatness. The last five minutes are breathtaking, a perfect culmination of the film’s themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring pain of being misunderstood. Erivo’s performance of Defying Gravity is nothing short of spellbinding. Her powerful vocals and emotional intensity elevate the song to new heights, making it the standout moment in a film filled with memorable scenes. As the final notes of the soundtrack ring out, you’re left with a bittersweet ache, mourning Elphaba’s fate while celebrating the profound impact of her story. It’s the kind of ending that makes you sit in your seat a little longer, pretending you’re checking your phone, but really, you’re just too emotional to move.
Wicked is a film the entire creative team should be immensely proud of. It takes a beloved story and translates it beautifully for the screen, delivering a movie that is as emotionally resonant as it is entertaining. For fans of the musical and newcomers like me, this was a cinematic experience not to be missed. My only regret is that I didn’t see it in IMAX. We wait now in anticipation for Wicked For Good this winter.
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