“Wicked” is a musical inspired by the novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire. With a powerful soundtrack, engaging storyline and complex characters, Wicked has won the hearts of many fans in the past decade. Unsurprisingly, the announcement that the movie adaptation of the beloved musical would be released on Nov. 22, 2024, sparked high anticipations from musical theater fans. Its cast, starring Grammy, Emmy and Tony award winner Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, along with singer, songwriter, and 2018 Billboard Woman of the Year winner Ariana Grande as Glinda, intensified the public’s expectations for the movie. Directed by Jon M. Chu, “Wicked” successfully captures the musical’s outstanding soundtrack and the subtleties of each character, and it refines the original plot through its unique storytelling.
Each cast member enhanced the story in their unique way. Erivo demonstrated her strong vocal and acting abilities in her inspiring portrayal of the misunderstood protagonist. Her performance in songs such as “I’m Not That Girl” and “Defying Gravity” highlighted Erivo’s strength and her passion for the role, becoming the musical highlights of the movie. Grande’s light-lyric soprano voice complemented Erivo’s soft, clear soprano in duets. Known for her four-octave vocal range, Grande’s powerful singing reached nothing short of expectations. More surprisingly, Grande’s ability to capture Glinda’s complex character growth in her journey to see the good within Elphaba was impressive and exceeded expectations. Both actors’ portrayal of their characters were incredible, making the audience feel a stronger connection to them. In addition, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth —who starred as Elphaba and Glinda in the original 2003 musical— had a short surprise cameo as part of a musical sequence, paying homage to the original material.
Key strengths of the movie included its production and styling. For example, the split-screen of Elphaba and Glinda on opposite sides of their room in the musical number “What Is This Feeling?” presents a remarkable perspective into the plotpoint where both characters oppose the concept of being roommates. The snappy transitions between different camera angles made the story more engaging. The movie’s close-up shots, angle changes and transitions from one scene to another, which could not have been achieved in a live musical, helped shift the audience’s focus to the focal points of each scene and helped the plot continue more smoothly. In addition, the contrasting color palettes for Glinda and Elpheba’s costumes and styling also highlighted the characters’ core differences. Glinda’s extravagant style, at surface level, may represent her desire to stand out and appear superior, but it also reveals her longing to be loved and accepted by those around her. Meanwhile, Elpheba’s green and black color palette directly contrasts Glinda’s pastel costumes and also emphasizes how she feels alienated and villainized by others for her identity. In addition, the ability to show close-ups, change angles and transition from one scene to another, which could not have been done in a live musical, helped shift the focus of the audience to the character who was at the center of each scene and help the plot continue more smoothly. This tool was used as an asset to bring the story into a different media.
The movie successfully brought the fantastical world to life. The special effects, such as the CGI animals and supernatural activities, were detailed and realistic, engaging the audience with the story. The depiction of Oz, a magical city, was achieved in a realistic and natural way. In addition, the setting was created in a not overly cartoonish way yet preserved the whimsy of a fairytale atmosphere. Shiz University, the school that the main characters attend, with its vibrant dome-shaped roofs and distinct dorms, constructed memorable and significant settings that complemented the main characters’ growing friendship. The bright color scheme of the movie, which enhanced the contrasting pink and green colors of Elphaba and Glinda, also played a role in emphasizing noteworthy plot points. In scenes centered around Elphaba, the darker color scheme represents her tragic life and how she was misunderstood as a dark, wicked villain. In contrast, scenes focusing on Glinda had a warmer tone, representing her bubbly personality and how the people around her loved her. All these elements skillfully assembled the world of “Wicked,” playing hand-in-hand with the vocals and acting that sprung the movie into life.
“Wicked” broke box office records after its release in US theaters and had the best opening ever for an adaptation of a Broadway musical, grossing $114 million on its opening weekend. Every aspect of the movie seemed well thought-out, and it is clear that everyone involved —the actors, director and other crew members, contributed much effort, as seen in the movie’s successful continuation of the original musical’s strong legacy. The second part of“Wicked” is expected to be released on Nov. 21, 2025, and I cannot wait to watch the finale of the Wicked Witch of the West’s fate.
