Wicked (Part 1)

© Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

If you haven’t heard by now that the highly anticipated Wicked movie was released this weekend, I’d fear you might just be living under a rock. This film has been built up as a cultural phenomenon, with immense stakes for fans of the musical, a star-studded cast, and even those unfamiliar with this prequel to The Wizard of Oz. After years of anticipation, this adaptation seeks to deliver on the promise of bringing one of the most beloved and successful musicals of all time to the silver screen.

Under the direction of Jon M. Chu, Wicked is nothing short of a love letter to fans of Gregory Maguire’s book, the musical, and the magical land of Oz itself. Every detail of this production exudes ambition and meticulous care, as Chu and his team leave no stone unturned in their quest to create a cinematic masterpiece. The scale of the film is awe-inspiring, with every elaborate set - from Munchkinland to Shiz University and the Emerald City - brought to life with remarkable fidelity. These iconic locations also pay homage to their original cinematic depiction in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz, establishing a sense of continuity while creating something distinctly new. The production spares no expense in crafting an immersive experience. From the stunning costumes and evocative sound design to the intricate choreography and precise direction, every creative element is executed with finesse. It’s clear that the team behind Wicked approached the project with a deep passion, determined to exceed the sky-high expectations surrounding the film. The result is a dazzling visual and auditory spectacle that transports audiences back to the enchanting land of Oz with fresh wonder.

The cast pours every ounce of their talent into these performances, fully understanding the immense pressure to do justice to these beloved characters and iconic music. Cynthia Erivo embodies the quintessential Elphaba: sharp-witted and strong-willed, yet brimming with a wide-eyed naivety and wonder at her own potential and the great Wizard of Oz. As expected, her (live!) vocal performances are nothing short of breathtaking, combining power, precision, and emotional depth with effortless ease. Ariana Grande shines as Glinda, deftly navigating the character’s complexities for the screen. She masterfully balances comedic timing, narcissistic flair, and tender moments of friendship with Elphaba, creating a Glinda that feels both true to the stage and fresh for cinema. Grande also seamlessly weaves in moments that showcase her pop-star prowess, her signature whistle tones and riffs adding a delightful new dimension to the character. Together, Erivo and Grande are dazzling emeralds in the world of Oz, bringing nuance and depth to their characters’ evolving friendship. The film’s screen format allows for a deeper dive into their emotional journeys, exploring their bond with greater intricacy than the stage ever could. Jonathan Bailey, as the devilishly handsome and charismatic Fiyero Tigelaar, undeniably understands the assignment. His chemistry with both Erivo and Grande is palpable, setting the stage for even more anticipation for the next installment. Meanwhile, Ethan Slater’s whimsical and uncertain Boq adds a charming touch, and the commanding duo of Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard bring the perfect balance of cunning menace to their antagonist roles. Beyond the central cast, the film’s cameos are a treasure trove for theatre lovers. The inclusion of Broadway icons Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth feels essential and their appearances are handled with humor, grace, and a delightful nod to the legacy they helped build.

As with any great movie musical, the heart of Wicked lies in its musical numbers, and this production exceeds even the highest expectations. While Erivo and Grande’s vocal prowess is a given, the staging and choreography elevate each song to cinematic brilliance. Standouts include the visually dynamic and creatively staged Loathing and One Short Day, while The Wizard and I and Popular are masterclasses in character-driven performance. Unsurprisingly, the film’s crescendo comes with Erivo’s Defying Gravity, a breathtaking moment that not only delivers on its iconic status but leaves audiences on the edge of their seats, setting up a tantalising cliffhanger. Yet perhaps the most poignant highlight comes during Dancing Through Life in the Ozdust Ballroom. Erivo and Grande’s chemistry radiates in this scene, creating a moment of pure connection that draws viewers deeper into their relationship and leaves them emotionally invested from this point forward.

That said, Jon M. Chu’s decision to split the story into a two-part adaptation does leave some room for debate. The lack of a full conclusion slightly tempers the film’s impact, as a year-long wait for the next instalment feels less satisfying than a 20 minute theatrical interval. However, with the film already clocking in at two and a half hours, the split seems justified. The extended runtime allows for a richer exploration of the story’s themes, particularly its deeper messaging on discrimination, authoritarianism, justice, and friendship. This extra depth reinforces the narrative’s emotional resonance and contemporary relevance, making the experience more profound.

Ultimately, Wicked (Part 1) is a triumph, destined to join the ranks of beloved movie musicals and perhaps surpass many recent attempts in the genre. It honours the legacy of the stage production while standing as a remarkable achievement in its own right. Fans (myself included) will eagerly count down the days until Elphaba and Glinda’s story continues in Wicked (Part 2).