A little over a year ago, I sat in New York City’s Gershwin Theatre, dressed in green, to celebrate Wicked’s 20th anniversary. It was only the second time I’d seen it live, though that number could almost be higher considering the number of times I’ve run through the soundtrack in my mind. To say I loved the musical would be an understatement, so I had very, very high expectations for the long-awaited film adaptation, which was finally brought to the big screen by director Jon M. Chu (best known for In the Heights and Crazy Rich Asians).
Story and Characters
Wicked adapted the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat in the Land of Oz. As they go down their opposite paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. It’s important to remind everyone of one important detail that most of the marketing has left out: The Wicked that’s being released this Friday is actually Wicked: Part One. At two hours and 40 minutes long, it’s only five minutes shorter than the full stage production, yet it only includes the events and songs from Act I.
In fact, Wicked is a near-perfect adaptation of the musical; rather than adding new elements, screenwriters Winnie Holzman (who wrote the original book for the stage) and Dana Fox let the story breathe, taking their time with each scene and song. Wicked begins much like the stage musical, though with a charming twist that sets the stage for what’s to come in Part Two.
The Performance
Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, confirms the death of the so-called Wicked Witch of the West, leading to celebrations in Munchkinland, which Glinda herself seems happy to attend. Grande portrays Glinda’s playful demeanor and sincere charm throughout the film, highlighting her potential to an impressive extent.
Of course, there’s more to the story here, and Wicked soon goes back to the time when Glinda first met Oz’s future enemy at school – and eventually befriended her. Chu takes her time teasing the arrival of the adult Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo), giving her alluring glimpses before she’s fully introduced among Shiz University’s new students. From the moment she first appears on screen, Erivo takes full command of the role, imbuing Elphaba with determination and hope.
Often ridiculed and mocked due to her green skin, Elphaba has no choice but to be tough when dealing with others, as shown in her first scene with Glinda (originally known as Galinda) and the other students. However, when she’s alone for her first song, the show-stopping “The Wizard and I,” Erivo takes off Elphaba’s mask and invites us into her innermost thoughts and feelings. It’s thrilling to watch, especially as that song drew genuine applause at my screening.
Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship
Elphaba has magic, and the depth of her power attracts the attention of Shiz’s Madame Morrible (played by Michelle Yeoh), who takes the new student under her wing with the promise of one day meeting the infamous Wizard of Oz (played by Jeff Goldblum). As Elphaba tries to gain control of her powers and clashes with her reluctant roommate Galinda, a serious problem involving Oz’s talking animals emerges.
The animal story, most prominently shown through the character of Doctor Dillamond (played by Peter Dinklage), has always been one of the weaker aspects of Wicked’s story, and that’s true here as well. Though Elphaba’s empathy for the animals’ plight is given more prominence, that plot thread doesn’t mesh as well with more compelling elements like Elphaba and Galinda’s friendship.
That relationship is the beating heart of Wicked, and Erivo and Grande bring it to life with a palpable chemistry that’s evident throughout the film. This is most clearly shown at a key moment during the musical sequence “Dancing Through Life.” Elphaba arrives in her trademark pointy hat, accompanying the Shiz student body for a dance inspired by charming newcomer Fiyero (an incredibly charming Jonathan Bailey), only to be mocked by everyone around her.
Erivo holds her head high, even as tears glisten in her eyes, in a defiant stance that took my breath away. When Grande’s Galinda joins her, I’m completely floored by the love between these two women.
Visuals and Production Design
There was a lot of uncertainty about how Wicked’s visuals would ultimately hold up, and though it sometimes suffers from CGI gag, there’s no doubt that Chu’s boundless imagination has served the film incredibly well, paving the way for dazzling sets and costumes. Wicked is a project full of surprise and whimsy, a joy to watch on the big screen. The only downside to the striking visuals is less the film itself and more the marketing
