Spoiler warning: This article discusses spoilers for “Wicked Part 1”
“Wicked” is not a perfect film. The film runs into many of the pitfalls found in modern blockbusters. There is an overreliance on natural light that diminishes Oz’s grandeur. The runtime is nearly three hours, leaving audiences wondering if anything could have been cut. The computer-generated image in the third act feels a little uninspired — akin to special effects found in the “WandaVision” finale. But, when everything else is firing on the caliber that it is, the issues are secondary. “Wicked” is a passion project that comes to life with valiant performances, energizing choreography and breathtaking harmonies.
The film begins with Glinda the Good, played by Ariana Grande, inquiring, “Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” The query segues into the origins of Elphaba — the Wicked Witch of the West, played by Cynthia Erivo — and Glinda’s friendship.
Upon hearing of Grande’s casting, some were skeptical of her range. Others feared the beloved musical would follow in the footsteps of “Wonka” or “Mean Girls.”
When she sings the opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” Grande layers solemnity within her operatic singing. Despite Glinda’s somber expression, the scene lends itself to some humorous moments, allowing the actress to flaunt her comedic timing — a talent some may have noticed earlier this year when she hosted Saturday Night Live.
In “Popular,” Grande commands the space — leaping from bed to bed, hair flipping and closet searching are played up for laughs as the camera follows Grande’s intricate escapades. The song becomes Grande’s anthem as she fills it with pop-music harmonies and a ballerina’s physicality.
Of course, Glinda would be nothing without Elphaba. As lead actress, Erivo delivers a timid yet powerful performance culminating in her rendition of “Defying Gravity.” Erivo elegantly approaches the role and gladly shares the screen with her co-star — a sign of a great lead actor. In the climax of the film, Erivo’s intense delivery suspends reality. She is flying. With her voice alone, Erivo proves that anyone and everyone can fly — with or without a blue screen in the background.
Erivo and Grande bounce off each other to create laughter and tears throughout their musical numbers. As Glinda and Elphaba evolve from enemies to friends, audiences feel that the two are twin flames — a testament to the friendship they have cultivated.
In the supporting cast, Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero with intoxicating seduction and ease. On the surface, he appears to frolic within the chaos; however, through the glances stolen in the background, Bailey conveys the sympathetic side of Fiyero. Audiences will be keen to see his expanded role in the second film.
Jeff Goldblum plays the Wonderful Wizard of Oz with as many Goldblumisms as one would expect. His jazz musical numbers are a tad weak, but he makes up for his singing ability with charisma. Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible is not given much to do outside of moving the plot along. Although, she does have some comedic moments with Glinda, which are fun.
Wanting to immerse audiences, Chu elected to record the songs live and build a practical set for the film. With on-set performances, Chu’s live-stage replication allows for improvised moments that his talented cast capitalized on. During “Popular,” Glinda responds to Elphaba with an archaically guttural “Right” — a cleverly amusing retort improvised by Grande. The authentic emotion may not have been fully captured if Chu had recorded the cast in a studio.
The practical set excels within the Bailey-led musical number “Dancing through Life.” The physical location allows Bailey to perform carnivalesque stunts while being accentuated by versatile camera movement.
Chu’s edit remains concise and grants the first part of “Wicked” an epic nature. Chu expands many songs, allowing specific plot points to sit with audiences. “Dancing Through Life” runs for ten minutes on the soundtrack. In the film, the dance number lasts for roughly twenty minutes. The same can be said for “Defying Gravity.” The song lasts for at least 15 minutes in the movie. Chu cuts the song into three distinct moments between Glinda and Elphaba. By expanding the song’s duration, audiences feel every piece of character development and vital plot points carry weight rather than being a brief verse.
“Wicked” is a testament to modern-day filmmaking and what can be achieved when everyone works together towards a common vision. Chu makes the case for more movie musicals with all the elements of traditional musicals: actors who can sing on Broadway, elaborate dance numbers and a practical set.
“Wicked Part 1” is now showing in theaters everywhere, and “Wicked Part 2” will be released Nov. 21, 2025.
