Well folks, we have another weekend in Hollywood where two blockbuster juggernauts square off with one another to grab box office gold. Remember last year’s Barbenheimer which saw Barbie and Oppenheimer slug it out to the tune of a $250 million dollar opening weekend? This time around it’s Glicked (Wicked: Part 1 and Gladiator II) making all the fuss.
But first, a bit of full disclosure: Admittedly, I have not seen the stage version of Wicked. Don’t know if that is a bad thing, or good, or if it will make any difference on what you read here. But I can say that this will not be a comparison of the stage and film versions. They are two different mediums. With that out of the way, let’s get to it.
Directed by John M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), Wicked: Part 1 is a visually enchanting and emotionally resonant adaptation of the beloved stage play, and is a prequel, of sorts, to 1939’s beloved The Wizard of Oz. The film is the powerful untold story of Elphaba—better known as the Wicked Witch of the West—portrayed with unyielding grace by Cynthia Erivo, alongside Ariana Grande as the ambitious and seemingly flawless Glinda. At its core, the movie explores the complexities of friendship, identity, and the societal force of fear.
The story primarily revolves around the unexpected friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, two young women who could not be more different, yet are assigned as roommates at Shiv University, headmastered by a wonderfully dignified Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible.
Elphaba, shunned for her green skin and innate boldness, is a woman of unrecognized power. Glinda, cloaked in privilege, yearns to maintain her place in the spotlight. Their dynamic is electric yet heartfelt, with Erivo and Grande delivering performances that truly anchor the film. Erivo brings quiet strength and vulnerability to Elphaba, while Grande impresses with her portrayal of Glinda, capturing both charm and hidden insecurities. Together, they shine brighter than the jewels on Glinda’s gilded crown.
From its opening act, the film feels like an homage to the fantastical world of Oz, brought to life with stunning detail and immense scope. The costumes, set design, and CG seamlessly immerse us in a reimagined Oz unlike anything we’ve seen before, balancing whimsy with the creeping tension of an emerging authoritarian regime.
In addition to the way Chu’s camera brings Oz alive in a grand, intricately detailed and magical way, as expected, one of the film’s standout elements is its musical numbers. Each performance is spectacularly staged, with sweeping orchestration and heartfelt vocals that retain the energy of a stage play, while taking full advantage of the cinematic medium. From Elphaba’s soaring anthem "Defying Gravity" to Glinda’s shimmering solo "Popular," (both from composer Stephen Schwartz) the music serves as both entertainment and an emotional showcase.
Thematically, Wicked: Part 1 goes beyond the glittering spectacle. It explores a darker undercurrent—the quiet rise of a fascist movement in Oz, where intelligent, speaking animals are silenced and blamed for societal woes. Without a heavy hand, the film offers a poignant commentary on prejudice, power, and the fear of the "other," adding an unexpected layer of relevance to today’s world. Peter Dinklage's Dr. Dillamond sums it up best when he says "The best way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy." How's that for relevance?
While Part One, set in the land outside Oz, unfolds a little slowly and gets bogged down in its own bloated and unevenly-paced storytelling, the narrative takes a thrilling and dangerous turn once we arrive in the magical city of Oz, run by Jeff Goldblum’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz character.
Speaking of danger: remember the scary flying monkeys from the original? Well, they, too, have a chilling origin story as we witness them getting wings and taking flight at the behest of Elphaba’s wicked witch. The tension rises, alliances are tested, and the stakes skyrocket—a much-needed breath of fresh air from the somewhat repetitive environs of Shiv university.
Wicked: Part 1 delivers equal doses of both heart and spectacle. It’s not just a prequel to The Wizard of Oz; it’s a deeply human story about forging friendships, confronting fear, and redefining who we are. Fans of the stage production—and fantasy lovers new to the tale such as myself—will undoubtedly find themselves spellbound. Bring on Part 2!
MPAA Rating: PG.
Runtime: 160 mins
Director: John M. Chu
Writer: Winnie Holzman; Dana Fox; Gregory Maguire
Cast: Cynthia Erivo; Ariana Grande; Jeff Goldblum
Genre: Adventure | Fantasy
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote: "The best way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy."
Theatrical Distributor: Universal Studios
Official Site: https://www.facebook.com/wickedmovie
Release Date: November 22, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.
