Movie review: The ‘Wicked’ film adaptation defies gravity

Between limited-edition Starbucks drinks and flamboyant red carpet appearances, “Wicked” has taken the world by storm leading up to its highly-anticipated release Friday. 

The film — part one of the two-part musical — returns audiences to the magical realm of flying monkeys and the Emerald City. The story is inspired by L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” and Victor Fleming’s 1939 film adaptation, this time introducing viewers to younger versions of Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. 

“Wicked,” however, is more directly based on the Broadway musical of the same name — which first landed on stage in June 2003 — inspired by the 1995 novel ”Wicked: The Life And Times Of The Wicked Witch Of The West,” from author Gregory Maguire. 

All of this to say, this film has been literal decades in the making. 

The iconic story’s latest installment follows the bubbly, charismatic Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande) and green-skinned outcast Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo), whose initial rivalry leads to an unlikely friendship. 

Despite their distinctly different backgrounds, the popular girl and the pariah are forcibly introduced as roommates at the esteemed Shiz University, where they discover a shared aspiration to become sorceresses.

Animosity gives way to affection as the pair bond over newfound similarities, beautifully represented in the fan-favorite musical number “Popular,” during which Grande’s vocals greatly impress. The playful, whimsical scenery and vibrant takes on the Broadway production’s original costumes — both in this scene and throughout the whole film — add to the fun, enhancing the pair’s chemistry and lighthearted energy of the scene.

For a film centered on kindred spirits, soulmates and finding oneself, its messages are patently present in the relationship between Erivo and Grande, both on and off the screen. 

During their press tour, the decorated actress and renowned pop star have repeatedly referenced their deeply loving friendship, which began blossoming on set. Viral clips of the two crying mid-interview(s) began circulating, drawing both curiosity and criticism from fans.

Erivo responded to these criticisms in a Buzzfeed interview, discussing the importance this project holds to the cast. 

“We keep trying to say it’s not that we’re just crying out of nowhere. This experience was, like, a huge, life-changing, crazy, emotional thing,” Erivo said during the interview. 

When bringing a Broadway musical to the big screen, there can be many challenges — in particular, finding a film cast that can live up to that of the theater production. And yet, director Jon M. Chu transforms the two-hour-and-30-minute Broadway musical into a two-part cinematic journey, with the first segment alone clocking in at two hours and 40 minutes. 

In its extended runtime, the film expands on Elphaba’s backstory and further explores the world of Oz, offering more action-packed sequences that could never be realized on stage. 

Songs once limited to a theater setting now unfold in open landscapes, including the iconic sweeping tulip fields of Oz. Elphaba is also no longer confined to staged illusions of flight, with the film showing Erivo soaring through the air above the Emerald City’s towering green spires, giving audiences a never-before-seen glimpse into Oz.

The film medium also allowed for more opportunities to get creative with costume design, something Paul Tazewell took full advantage of. 

According to an article from People Magazine, the film’s costume team created over 1,000 costumes in total. Grande has 25 total looks spread over the two films — compared to the nine costume changes in the Broadway production — each of which provides a playful, sparkling addition to the witch’s iconic wardrobe. 

Fans of the original Broadway production will not be disappointed by Erivo’s exhilarating performance of “Defying Gravity” in the finale of the first act. Erivo’s wide range of vocals combined with the vibrant cinematography and action-packed conclusion create the perfect segue to the second part — set to release Nov. 21, 2025. 

All in all, “Wicked” does justice to the original musical’s beloved soundtrack and storyline, while also highlighting bold, colorful cinematography and voices new to the world of Oz.

Though the nearly three-hour runtime might discourage some viewers, the film maintains its allure with witty humor and impressive performances from both Erivo and Grande. The supporting cast, including Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, also shines, contributing to the experience of the film. 

Sure enough, “Wicked” has everything that really counts to be popular this weekend at the box office. 

Rating: 5/5