The much-awaited Broadway adaptation, “Wicked,” released to theaters Nov. 22. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the movie follows a younger Glinda the Good (played by Grande) and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West (played by Erivo), as they attend the magical Shiz University in Oz. They are reluctant roommates with a relationship full of loathing, particularly because of their contrasting personalities: Glinda is shallow and popular, whereas Elphaba–who was born with green skin–is an outcast who focuses on her academics. However, when the Winkie prince Fiyero (played by Jonathan Bailey) arrives at Shiz, Glinda and Elphaba start to understand each other in a new light, growing from enemies into formidable best friends.
I had never seen a theater production of “Wicked,” and prior to the movie’s release, I had no idea what the plot was actually about. I found the idea of a “Wizard of Oz” prequel to be interesting, considering there was so much more story to develop from the original characters and world of Oz. In this respect, the acting was great; Bailey, Grande, and Erivo seemed to completely encapsulate their characters, despite being so famous that their faces are more recognizable by their celebrity status than any characters they could play.
In addition to the acting, I enjoyed some of the musical numbers, particularly because of how talented all the actors were singing and dancing-wise. The sets, both physical and CGI-made, brought the Emerald City, Shiz University, and Oz countryside to life in great detail and vibrancy, which made a striking background for the choreographed dances. I enjoyed several songs, such as “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “The Wizard and I,” “Dancing Through Life,” and “Defying Gravity,” but many others were not for me, like “Something Bad,” “I’m Not That Girl,” “One Short Day,” and “A Sentimental Man.”
While I did not like some songs, I loved all the costumes. Their whimsical designs matched the fantastical world of Oz, perfectly. I particularly liked Glinda’s “bubble dress,” which she wears in the opening for “No One Mourns the Wicked,” and the Wizard’s (played by Jeff Goldblum) green-toned suit towards the end of the movie. The details in the suit’s stitching and the dress’s bountiful furls seemed to immerse the viewer that much more into the movie’s magical elements. Additionally, I liked how Elphaba’s signature, darker ensembles clashed with Glinda’s bright, attention-grabbing costumes, which mirrored their clashing personalities as well.
Overall, I enjoyed “Wicked” part one, despite losing interest in some instances. Following the Broadway musical, this movie recounts the first part of the theater production up to the intermission. A “Wicked” part two will be released Nov. 21, 2025, with a longer run-time than its predecessor. Without the storyline finished, I will be seeing the next installment when it comes out.
(Fleuriana Elmaleh)