Have you ever seen a movie that changed your life for good? (“Wicked” reference. Real fans would know).
That is exactly what the “Wicked” movie did for me.
I saw the stage production at the Orpheum Theatre earlier this year, and I said the same then – that it had changed my life. From the whimsy of the magic to the beautiful vocals, I was obsessed.
The movie directed by John Chu and starring Ariana Grande (Galinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) carried on this legacy and wowed me to no extent.
Serving as a prequel to “Wizard of Oz,” this movie only includes the first act of “Wicked,” and the second part will be released on Nov. 21, 2025.
Over Thanksgiving break, I went and saw the movie three times in theaters, so I feel like I carry some semblance of expertise.
Obviously, the lead vocals sounded incredible, but one thing I’d specifically like to mention is the ensemble. Everything they sang sounded so clean and energy-filled, and, though it is hard for me to admit, I prefer their sound to that of the original Broadway ensemble of “Wicked.”
I am also a little biased because my favorite actress of all time, and a former Galinda on Broadway herself, Kara Lindsay, sang in the ensemble.
The choreography is crisp and fun, especially in the song “What Is This Feeling?,” which has spurred a new trend among “Wicked” fans to try their hand at the choreo themselves.
However, before the public was able to see just how fantastic “Wicked” was, there was some criticism.
Ever since the casting of the two stars was announced in 2021, people have been skeptical about whether Ariana Grande was up to the role of Galinda.
Grande is best known for her career in pop music, but the general public seems to have forgotten her Broadway roots as Charlotte in the musical “13.”
But Grande has said that Galinda is a role she has dreamed about ever since she was a child.
And she showed her commitment to her role. She got a voice teacher to train her to sing classically, dyed her hair blonde and even altered the pitch of her voice to maintain a healthy singing style.
Her hard work paid off, and Grande managed to portray the character in a beautifully nuanced way that fits in a movie context perfectly.
Cynthia Erivo was significantly less well known when her role was announced, but I never doubted her capabilities, especially after watching her performance of “I’m Here” from “The Color Purple” on Broadway.
Erivo added depth to Elphaba in ways I didn’t know were possible. The film medium showcased her subtle acting, something Erivo does well.
Though some only know Erivo from the iconic Target ad, her influence has spread outside of just the “Wicked” movie into the Broadway musical itself.
The first Black principal Elphaba on Broadway was announced just a week after the movie’s release. Lencia Kebede, currently playing Angelica in the national tour of “Hamilton,” will begin her contract as Elphaba in March of 2025.
Another performance worthy of the spotlight is Johnathan Bailey as Fiyero, the love interest for both Galinda and Elphaba.
At first, I was a little doubtful of the British accent, but his unique vocal choices and beautiful tone, alongside his natural charm, won me over. (Props to the costume designer for putting him in those pants).
Chu also added tasteful nods to the original “Wizard of Oz” movie, which inspired the original “Wicked” musical.
From the ruby shoes in “Popular” to Fiyero’s scarecrow-like movements in “Dancing Through Life,” the parallels to the movie are undeniably intentional and represent themes that will be revealed in the second act.
The movie was exquisitely put together with care in a way that honors the Broadway musical while adding nuanced ideas that were previously inaccessible without a film medium.
The worst thing about the film? We have to wait a year for the second half. I would rate this movie 11/10: “Popular” for a reason and “Defying” my expectations.
