Wicked: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Dazzle!
The stars captivate as young rival witches in Jon M. Chu’s stunning first part of his two-part adaptation of the hit musical Wicked.
There’s a touch of magic in the air. If you’re among the few who haven’t seen the smash-hit stage musical Wicked (the second-highest-grossing Broadway show ever), you might approach this glossy, high-energy movie adaptation with tempered expectations. With a hefty runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes and the story split into two films—making fans wait nearly a year for the finale—it’s hard not to feel a bit skeptical.
But here’s the thing: any doubts quickly fade, and complaints about the release strategy are soon forgotten. Wicked blends its dazzling spectacle with genuine heart. Powered by stellar performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Jon M. Chu’s sleek and captivating adaptation flies by so effortlessly you might even wish it were longer (though your bladder might not agree). With timely themes of bullying, corrupt leadership, and the fear of differences, this film offers a swirl of pink-and-green escapism while delivering surprising depth and darkness.
For those unfamiliar with Wicked’s cultural impact over the last two decades, here’s a quick rundown. Both the film and stage show are loosely inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which reimagines the backstory of the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz. This adaptation focuses on the early years of two young witches: the green-skinned outcast Elphaba (Erivo), destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and the charming, self-absorbed Galinda (Grande), who transforms into Glinda the Good.
Elphaba and Galinda are new arrivals at Shiz University, a place that blends the student drama of Mean Girls’ North Shore High with a touch of Hogwarts magic. Elphaba isn’t officially a student—she’s there to assist her paraplegic sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode)—but her potential is quickly noticed by the commanding Madame Morrible (a gloriously haughty Michelle Yeoh), who offers her private lessons in enchantment. Despite their initial disdain for each other, Elphaba and Galinda are stuck as roommates.
Grande’s extraordinary vocal range—stretching so far it might be audible to bats—shines throughout. Initially, their clashing personalities are mirrored in the vibrant contrast of Elphaba’s green complexion and Galinda’s bubblegum-pink wardrobe. Yet as the story unfolds, these visuals soften into harmony, much like the relationship between the two. One standout moment is a lush forest scene, where mossy greenery and delicate pink blooms showcase the stunning production design led by Nathan Crowley, reminiscent of his work on Wonka. Slowly but surely, a genuine bond forms between the two witches.
Both lead actors shine. Erivo delivers a powerful performance, her rich, velvety voice quivering with the weight of Elphaba’s rejections and ridicule, while her expressive eyes reveal wounds her green skin cannot. Grande is perfectly cast—not just for her extraordinary vocal range (reaching notes that seem made for bats) but also for her impeccable physical comedy, with every hair toss and heel kick landing as a perfectly timed punchline.
Jonathan Bailey, of Bridgerton fame, steals every scene as the shallow yet charming Prince Fiyero, particularly in a dazzlingly intricate song-and-dance number set in the college library. Choreographer Christopher Scott deserves applause for his imaginative sequences, and cinematographer Alice Brooks captures the magic beautifully.
Does it all land? Not always—some moments lean too heavily on CGI spectacle, and a few scenes feel overly long, with the runtime exceeding the stage version. But overall, Wicked soars, lifting viewers’ spirits as we follow Elphaba on her awkward, bumpy broomstick ride into the second chapter of this enchanting story.
