Rating: ⭐3.4/5
After years of anticipation and delays, Wicked: Part I finally graced the big screen in 2024, delivering the first half of the much-awaited adaptation of the beloved Wicked stage musical. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this film brings Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel—reimagining the story of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West—into a new cinematic form. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp, the future Wicked Witch, and Ariana Grande-Butera as Glinda Upland, her bubbly and initially superficial friend who eventually becomes the Good Witch. The film follows the two women’s evolving relationship while exploring the origins of Elphaba’s transformation into the iconic villain.
Much like the stage musical, Wicked: Part I features an emotionally charged narrative paired with dazzling musical numbers by Stephen Schwartz, but also expands upon the original material, allowing for deeper character development and a richer backstory. The film has been widely praised for its performances, visual splendor, and the chemistry between its two leads, despite some pacing issues in the latter half of the film.
The film opens with a dramatic moment in the Land of Oz, as the citizens of Munchkinland celebrate the death of the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda, now the Good Witch, narrates the story of Elphaba’s troubled childhood and their complex friendship. This flashback structure introduces the audience to a younger Elphaba, born with green skin and an immediate outcast in her society. Elphaba’s journey unfolds as she arrives at Shiz University to take care of her disabled sister, Nessarose, where she crosses paths with the popular, vain Galinda.
Despite their initial animosity, Elphaba and Galinda form an unlikely bond, which only deepens as they navigate the oppressive politics of Oz, the corruption of the Wizard, and their evolving roles in a society teetering on the edge of upheaval. Elphaba’s magical abilities—particularly her gift for sorcery—become a central plot point, drawing the attention of the Wizard and his regime. As Elphaba uncovers the Wizard's deceit and begins to understand the true nature of the injustice around her, her fate takes a darker turn, setting the stage for her eventual transformation into the Wicked Witch.
The film also delves into the political and social struggles of Oz, including the rights of the Animals, magical creatures who are losing their ability to speak and live freely, and Elphaba’s growing disillusionment with the corrupt system led by the Wizard. The relationships between the central characters—particularly Elphaba and Galinda—form the emotional heart of the narrative, offering both moments of joy and deep betrayal.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Stunning Visuals: The world of Oz is beautifully realized with vibrant, lush landscapes, intricate costumes, and elaborate set designs. | Pacing Issues: While the first half of the film moves swiftly, the latter portion slows down considerably, particularly during Elphaba’s journey of realization. |
| Outstanding Performances: Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba is a powerhouse of emotion and depth, while Ariana Grande-Butera brings charm and heart to Glinda. | Underdeveloped Secondary Characters: Several supporting characters, such as Fiyero and Boq, don’t receive as much screen time or development, leaving them somewhat flat. |
| Exceptional Musical Numbers: The musical numbers, including "Defying Gravity" and "For Good," remain as powerful and emotionally resonant as in the stage production. | Less Focus on the Wizard: While the Wizard’s role as a deceptive figure is central, his character feels somewhat underdeveloped in this first part. |
| Rich Worldbuilding: The Land of Oz feels fully realized, with magical lore and political tensions intricately woven into the plot. | No Major Plot Twists: For those familiar with the musical, there are few surprises in the plot, especially in terms of the central conflict with the Wizard. |
Visuals and Cinematography: Director Jon M. Chu has brought the fantastical world of Oz to life with a grandeur that matches the ambition of the source material. From the towering Emerald City to the lush forests and magical landscapes, every frame of Wicked: Part I is rich with detail and color. The film’s use of CGI, practical effects, and impressive set designs ensures that Oz feels both magical and grounded, making the world immersive and engaging. The costuming is particularly noteworthy, with Elphaba’s striking green skin and Glinda’s glamorous outfits beautifully complementing their personalities and roles.
Performances: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera deliver standout performances, with Erivo’s Elphaba being both fierce and vulnerable, capturing the complexity of a character who has been misunderstood her entire life. Erivo’s powerhouse vocals, especially during "Defying Gravity," bring a raw emotional intensity to the film. Meanwhile, Ariana Grande-Butera’s Glinda is both endearing and comedic, showing growth from a self-absorbed girl to a woman who learns to stand by her friend through thick and thin. The chemistry between the two actresses is palpable, and their friendship is at the emotional core of the story.
Music and Songs: Stephen Schwartz’s music, which has been beloved by audiences for over two decades, remains a highlight of the film. Songs like "For Good," "Popular," and "Defying Gravity" are executed with precision and passion, and while the film doesn’t always have the same energy as a live performance, the emotional resonance of the songs still lands effectively. The choreography and staging of musical numbers are dynamic, with several scenes bursting with spectacle.
Pacing Issues: The film’s pacing can be uneven, particularly in the second half when Elphaba begins to understand the truth about the Wizard and her role in the larger political landscape. While the first act moves briskly, the slower, more introspective moments later in the film may feel drawn out to some viewers, especially those familiar with the musical’s plot. These lulls, while necessary for Elphaba’s emotional journey, may feel like an obstacle in an otherwise thrilling narrative.
Underdeveloped Secondary Characters: Several of the supporting characters, like Fiyero (played by Jonathan Bailey) and Boq (Ethan Slater), don’t receive the attention they deserve. Their roles are functional but not deeply explored, and their motivations often feel shallow. Fiyero’s relationship with both Elphaba and Glinda is given less focus than expected, and Boq’s feelings toward Glinda lack the depth that could have made his character more impactful.
The Wizard’s Underdevelopment: Although the Wizard is positioned as the antagonist in the larger story, his role in Part I feels somewhat limited. As the central source of Elphaba’s disillusionment, the Wizard’s true nature is hinted at but not fully fleshed out. This leaves his character feeling a bit flat, though it’s likely his role will be expanded upon in the upcoming second part of the film.
Wicked: Part I is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant adaptation of the beloved musical that captures the spirit of the original while expanding upon its narrative and characters. With strong performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera, coupled with Stephen Schwartz’s unforgettable music, the film offers a magical experience that will delight fans of the stage production and newcomers alike. While the pacing can be uneven and some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, the film successfully sets the stage for an epic continuation in Wicked: Part II. For now, Wicked remains a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of its music, characters, and the timeless themes of friendship, power, and self-identity.
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