The long-awaited adaptation of “Wicked” finally soared onto the big screen on Nov. 22, bringing the untold story of Elphaba and Glinda to life in a dazzling cinematic musical. With a talented lead cast, larger-than-life visuals and a fresh take on the beloved Broadway classic, this film promises to transport audiences back to the magical land of Oz.
“Wicked” is a reimagination of the classic tale of “The Wizard of Oz,” following the stories of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. The story begins at Shiz University, where the two witches in training form an unlikely friendship despite their opposing personalities. Elphaba, fiercely intelligent and misunderstood because of her green skin, and Glinda, bubbly and ambitious, navigate a world of political intrigue ridden with moral dilemmas.
From the moment the film opens, it is clear that “Wicked” has spared no expense in crafting a visually stunning world. The emerald-hued city of Oz dazzles with intricate details and the lush countryside of Munchkinland feels like a storybook brought to life. The film captures much of the emotional weight of the original stage production, though it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambition. For instance, the CGI occasionally verges on excessive, particularly in large-scale scenes like Elphaba’s dramatic defiance during “Defying Gravity.”
The grand sets and practical effects are captivating, particularly in large-scale scenes like Elphaba’s dramatic defiance during the song “Defying Gravity.” Costume and set designs also deserve praise, particularly Glinda’s ethereal gowns, while Elphaba’s witchy wardrobe reflects her growing confidence and rebellion.
The movie was a large excitement for broadway and music enthusiasts, as “Wicked” is the fourth longest running broadway show of all time, and has been featured on broadway since 2003. The original musical cast included renowned musicians Idina Menzel; Elphaba, and Kristen Chenoweth; Glinda. Both actresses made a surprise appearance in the new movie adaptation, singing solos alongside the new Elphaba and Glinda in the song “One Short Day,” which describes the pair’s time in the Emerald City before they meet the Wizard.
At its core, “Wicked” explores themes of systemic injustice through Elphaba’s green skin as a metaphor for exclusion and discrimination. The idea of propaganda is also touched upon with The Wizard, a seemingly benevolent leader who manipulates public perception through lies and spectacles using his power to suppress dissent. However, the film sometimes sacrifices the magical element of the world for the sake of messaging, and the overt monologues about social injustice and heavy-handed symbolism take away from the main plot of the story at times.
Overall, the film adaptation of “Wicked” succeeds as a visually stunning spectacle, allowing for fans to see close ups of character emotion, which would originally be missed when sitting far away from the cast in a broadway theatre. While not without its flaws, the immersive world leaves audiences eager for the story’s next chapter: “Wicked Part Two,” which will be released on Nov. 21, 2025.
