For decades, “Wicked” has graced the stages of Broadway and captivated audiences with its clever spin on The Wizard of Oz. Everybody loves a good villain origin story, and the original casting of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth left some larger than life-sized shoes to fill. Fans of the beloved musical have been eagerly awaiting this cinematic adaptation, and they all have one question: can Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver powerhouse performances of the same magnitude?
To save you some time, the answer is without a doubt yes. The movie meticulously follows the original narrative, preserving the relationship between Elphaba (Erivo), the green-skinned outcast destined for villainy, and Glinda (Grande), the popular blonde who would one day become the Good Witch. Their intertwined fates are brought to life with dazzling special effects, intricate set designs, and memorable musical numbers that retain the magic of the stage production. Furthermore, the movie is visually stunning, and director Jon M. Chu certainly did not disappoint. With very minimal use of CGI, all the sets were built to make the movie feel that much more immersive.
One of the standout elements of the film is the remarkable chemistry between Erivo and Grande. Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is both fierce and vulnerable, capturing the character’s inner turmoil and longing for acceptance. Her performance is truly a heart wrenching one, and many audience members left the theater with glassy eyes. Grande’s Glinda, on the other hand, is a delightful mix of charm and ambition, balancing her character’s superficiality with moments of genuine kindness and growth. On social media there has been discourse and conversations surrounding the actresses emotional behavior during interviews; however, after watching the film and seeing their incredible chemistry, it feels warranted. Together, they navigate the complexities of friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery, delivering performances that have resonated deeply with audiences.
However, despite its many strengths, the film has a three hour runtime that can feel a bit daunting and difficult to get through. While the writers made sure to retain the integrity of the original musical, the pacing seemed sluggish, especially in the middle. However, the movie is still enjoyable overall, and has earned the title of a “must-watch.” This is particularly due to the outstanding visuals and elaborate sets that accompany a phenomenal performance.
