From the opening scene — a darkly hued foreshadow to reveal the beginning of the end, you know what you are about to watch, is going to Popular, that’s right, I said Pop-u-lar! How could it not be as the highly anticipated cinematic adaption of that decidedly popular Broadway hit finally arrives to mark yet another iteration of one of THE greatest stories of all time. Let us all be rejoicefied! You read that right.
For the better part of a year, the news and hype surrounding the critically acclaimed stage production of Wicked making its way to the silver screen has ignited imaginations worldwide from the very moment promotion of its forthcoming release dropped in late March. At the time, the two leads slated to star, British actress and singer/songwriter Cynthia Erivo and American pop star and actress Ariana Grande (credited for the film as Ariana Grande-Butera) were the first to stoke the Ozdust when the duo presented at the Academy Awards together, wearing green and pink gowns representing their respective roles for what is sure to become an instant Turner Classic.
Nevertheless, to say I was skeptical that the film could live up to the genius of its stage predecessor would be an understatement. Remember, 2014’s “Annie?” Yeah, I do, too, and tried to forget it.
It is a slippery slope to attempt to reimagine such a beloved production, like Wicked, that has already solidified its popularity dominance with theater audiences the world over. There’s the script that was genius, the music that was peak, and a story the way we want to know it, already in place. Surely, they could not improve upon that. And, yet, the 2024 epic fantasy film adaptation, promised to be a visual and musical spectacle, makes a brave and bold attempt to do just that, arguably, to much initial success. Hey, I can admit when I am wrong.
Exploring the origins of the witches of Oz, this newest version succeeds in capturing the magic and emotional complexity of the stage production while bringing a fresh cinematic interpretation to the beloved story. And, what is most heartening, the musical film retains the memorable songs from the stage that we all know and love, such as "Popular,” “I’m Not That Girl,” and “Defying Gravity.”
The production value alone is worth the price of admission. From the moment the opening musical notes waft off the screen, you are immediately thrust back into the magic and majesty of the golden age of Hollywood — the way films used to be made. It is evident no expense was spared with the film’s production design. With brilliantly vibrant costuming, gorgeous and vivid sets, and elaborate backdrops, CGI notwithstanding, this larger-than-life film is a visually stunning experience, reminiscent of the beloved movie musicals of the 1950s.
Released November 22, Wicked, Part 1, directed by Jon M. Chu, and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, is the first of a two-part film adaption of the stage musical of the same name, by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman, which, itself, was loosely based on Gregory Maguire's novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West." Serving as a prequel to L. Frank Baum's, “The Wizard of Oz,” the story for both the film and stage musical explores the backstory of two iconic characters from the turn-of-the-20th-century novel: Elphaba Thropp, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda (née Galinda) Upland, the Good Witch.
All begats aside, the prequel, set in the fantastical Land of Oz, focuses on the unlikely friendship between the two young women: Elphaba (Erivo) who is born with green skin and possesses extraordinary magical abilities, and Glinda (Grande) as the fair-haired, bubbly and popular IT girl. Initially, their diametrically opposed personalities lead to tension and misunderstandings when they first meet at Shiz University.
As the odd couple story unfolds, themes of friendship, love, prejudice, and even ambition and the classic notions of good and evil quickly emerge. Much of the film centers on Elphaba’s experiences grappling with her identity, social expectations, conventional ideas of beauty, and the injustices faced by those who are thought to be different. As the unlikely friends’ lives become intertwined under the backdrop of the politics of Oz, Elphaba is made to face an unexpected path to become the “Wicked Witch.”
Reprising her starring role from the London stage production, Erivo portrays the titular character with such emotional depth, using the power of her enigmatic voice to convey moments of vulnerability being different, to the strength and moral fortitude of standing up for what she believes in, even if it means standing alone. Known for her versatile performances, Erivo commands such attention onscreen. With wide expressive eyes, tinted green to match her character’s emerald skin, Erivo’s performance reminds you of the unspoken power of the human gaze in revealing a complex set of emotions - from fears and desires, to love and hope, and the strength to forge your own path.
Admittedly, in what I found to be a surprise turn, Grande, herself, is also a force onscreen as she masterfully holds her own opposite not only Erivo, but other noted veteran performers, the likes of Michelle Yeoh (as Madame Morrible) and Jeff Goldblum (as the Wizard, himself). No stranger to the stage and screen, Grande’s portrayal of the beautiful Glinda is Ariana Grande as you have never seen her before. Stripped down to the raw beauty of her voice, you finally get to truly appreciate her dynamic vocal performance that is stunning both for its range and impressive control. From the moment she floats onscreen, Grande is a standout among her peers, not only for her singing, but also for her refreshing and natural comedic timing.
The dynamic between Elphaba and Glinda remains key for the story. Marked by a blend of humor, emotion, and musicality, it works because Erivo’s and Grande’s dynamic does. The generous way the two leads allow space for each other’s performances in bringing that captivating chemistry to life underscores the heart of the film, and leaves a lasting impact long after the credits roll. Why it works speaks directly to the genuine friendship the two accomplished actresses appear to have forged offscreen.
With a star-studded supporting cast featuring Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Kaela Settle, and Peter Dinklage, Wicked, is out in theaters now in wide release, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
What did you think?
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i loved this movie. you give a great review