In one of the most iconic films of all time, The Wizard of Oz, our resident good witch Glinda famously asks a bewildered Dorothy, “Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?” For those familiar with Wicked, the answer is far from straightforward. In this world, the line between good and evil blur into something unrecognizable. Wicked: Part One is a film that arrived amid a whirlwind of anticipation and controversy, with fans of the musical and book series holding their breath. Films with this level of expectation often risk falling short with the heightened stakes of pleasing a passionate fanbase. I am pleased to announce this cinematic adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s Wicked delivers an experience that may convert even the most skeptical musical haters into devoted fans.
I had the luck of being invited to an early screening hosted by NBC Universal at the University of Georgia. Having never watched the stage musical, I approached the film with the perspective of someone familiar only with Maguire’s original book while only vaguely knowing the lore of the musical. Needless to say, I loved this movie. It did a wonderful job of blending the magical allure of its source material with the grandeur of a big-screen adaptation. From the opening scenes, it was clear that director Jon M. Chu had poured immense care into every detail, creating a world that feels simultaneously whimsical and deeply immersive.
The Performances: Spellbinding
The heart of Wicked: Part One lies in its performances. Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda brings layers of depth to these iconic roles. Their chemistry is magnetic, their emotions palpable, and their voices unforgettable. Their duet, “Defying Gravity” is an emotional highlight that lingers long after the credits roll.
Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is both haunting and inspiring, capturing the loneliness and resilience of the misunderstood green-skinned protagonist. Meanwhile, Grande surprises with her nuanced take on Glinda, expertly balancing humor and vulnerability. She stands to be an interesting subversion of the “what’s beautiful is good” trope that we often see in media. I laughed a lot during the film because the comedic timing was on point.
Both actresses breathe new life into their characters, and their performances will likely be remembered as some of the best in modern cinema. Erivo and Grande embody the film’s central theme: that beauty and strength often reside in unexpected places.
A Visual and Musical Triumph
Visually, Wicked was stunning. The fantastical landscapes of Oz come alive with vibrant colors and intricate details. The Emerald City, in particular, is a marvel of production design, a shimmering metropolis that feels as magical as it does menacing. Every shot felt meticulously crafted and I found myself swept up in this world, taking in the stunning details from the sparkling streets to the towering spires.
The music, composed by Stephen Schwartz and John Powell, retains its Broadway roots while benefiting from the cinematic scale. Each song drew me deeper and deeper into the world of Oz. Chu’s direction shines in catchy musical numbers like “No One Mourns the Wicked” and “Dancing Through Life”. Even now, I find myself humming the tunes, reliving the magic three weeks post-Wicked.
Why Wicked Will Endure
Critics and audiences alike are likely to immortalize Wicked as one of the best movie musicals of all time. Its ability to balance spectacle with genuine emotional resonance is a rare achievement. The film doesn’t simply re-create the magic of the stage. It redefines it, proving that the story of Elphaba and Glinda can thrive in any medium. I was blown away by the sheer magic that was present on the screen and shimmering in the audience.
This adaptation delivers on its promise to unite longstanding fans and newcomers under its spell. Its universal themes of friendship, identity, and acceptance resonate deeply, ensuring its place as a modern classic.
As Glinda reminds Elphaba, “Pink goes good with green.” And with Wicked: Part One, Chu and his cast have proven that it’s not just a sappy sentiment—it’s a cinematic truth. I highly suggest you go watch it. And once you do, ask yourself if you’re a Glinda, an Elphaba, or both?
