Film adaptations of beloved musicals often come with a sense of trepidation. If you take Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, you could say they add new and interesting dimensions to a story. Or there’s Dear Even Hansen, a movie that exists purely for Ben Platt to try and convince us that he’s still young and relevant — some projects are best left on Broadway. Fortunately, Wicked: Part 1, the long-awaited film adaptation of the iconic musical, soars to dazzling heights, proving itself an exceptional retelling that honours its roots while embracing the cinematic medium.
For the uninitiated, Wicked serves as a prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, offering a deeply humanised backstory to the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and her unlikely friendship with the bubbly Glinda. The movie, based on Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s stage adaptation (itself inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel), is bold in ambition, splitting the narrative into two parts, with Part 2 slated for 2025.
While the decision to divide the story feels justified, the runtime of Wicked: Part 1 — a hefty 2 hours and 40 minutes — did test my patience somewhat. While this is the going rate for films in the modern era, this is only Part 1, and it is already 10 minutes longer than the runtime of the full-length musical. There are certain sequences that would have benefitted from tighter editing, however, the sheer visual and sonic splendour of the production keeps you immersed, despite the occasional narrative padding.
Set in the magical Land of Oz before Dorothy’s arrival, Wicked: Part 1 delves into the backstory of Elphaba, and how she becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Born with green skin, Elphaba faces rejection from society and her family, She accompanies her sister Nessarose to Shiz University, where a magical accident sees her enrolled and mentored by Madame Morrible in the art of sorcery.
Elphaba’s extraordinary talents catch the attention of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but her admiration turns to defiance when she uncovers his sinister plans to silence and enslave Oz’s animals. Fuelled by her strong moral compass, Elphaba rebels, embracing her identity and vowing to fight against the Wizard’s tyranny. Along the way, she forms an unlikely but transformative friendship with Galinda, who later becomes Glinda the Good.
The movie begins somewhat cautiously, with an extended introduction that feels bloated compared to the snappy opening of the stage show. However, the Oz Dust Ballroom scene proves to be a game-changer. From that moment, the film transforms into a richly layered experience, blending dazzling visuals with poignant emotions and social/political undercurrents. The filmmakers have crafted a world that feels both otherworldly and grounded, making Oz a feast for the eyes and a mirror to our own societal complexities.
Initially, the film’s marketing campaign left me feeling sickly; it felt icky and relentless. I also questioned how any casting of Elphaba and Glinda could live up the the legacy of those roles. Additionally, Cynthia Erivo’s critique of a fan-made poster and her somewhat possessive way of discussing the songs in interviews turned me off. However, I’m more than happy to eat my words — Cynthia Erivo is nothing short of perfect as Elphaba.
Casting often makes or breaks a film, and here, Universal Pictures gets it mostly right. Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba is both powerful and intimate, bringing fresh nuances to a character immortalised by Idina Menzel and many other musical theatre legends. Erivo’s voice is pure magic, delivering songs with both technical brilliance and raw emotion, ensuring she’s not merely imitating her predecessors. Ariana Grande, as Glinda, surprises with a performance that strikes a fine balance between Kristin Chenoweth’s charm and her own unique interpretation. She’s playful yet grounded, infusing the role with a natural charisma that makes her irresistibly likeable.
Ethan Slater as Boq proves a slight issue for me. Standing at 5’7, Slater isn’t exactly a giant, but his height against the petite Erivo and Grande (5’1) undercuts the believability of his Munchkin characteristic. The one true disappointment is Keala Settle’s Miss Coddle, whose performance feels bland, unconvincing and detracts from an otherwise stellar ensemble.
The big question on every fan’s mind was whether Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth would appear in the Wicked film, and the answer is yes! In a delightful Emerald City sequence, the original broadway stars perform a number about the Wizard’s history, interacting with their respective characters. It’s a moment that may go unnoticed by casual viewers, but for fans, it’s pure magic. I couldn’t help but grin and grip my seat in excitement — especially when Menzel effortlessly delivered her iconic Defying Gravity riff.
Stephen Schwartz’s score remains the heart of the story, and it’s beautifully adapted here. While some songs feature additional verses or are interrupted by dialogue, they retain their emotional impact. The arrangements are lush and cinematic, with the Dolby Sound System elevating the experience to new heights. Visually, the film is a masterpiece. The vibrant palette, intricate costumes, and seamless visual effects make Oz feel alive. Every frame is a work of art, from the dazzling Emerald City to the grand setting of Shiz University.
Wicked: Part 1 is more than just a musical on film; it’s a cultural event. The film doesn’t merely replicate the stage show but expands on its themes of identity, prejudice, and morality. It’s socially relevant without feeling preachy, balancing its deeper messages with moments of levity and charm. Fans of the stage show will revel in its faithfulness and surprises, while newcomers will be drawn into its enchanting world. Whether you catch it on the big screen or wait for the streaming release, this is a significantly important, must-watch film! Part 2 can’t come soon enough.
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