Film Review - Wicked
Images courtesy of Universal Pictures.
Rise, musical theatre kids! Wicked is the epic musical adaptation that films like West Side Story and Les Miserables wanted to be.
Before they were the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, they were Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda (Ariana Grande). One is a green-skinned and caring young girl while the other is popular but pompous. Initially arch rivals at their school, Shiz University, they become the closest of friends. However, after a meeting with the wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), they see separate futures ahead of them. One will be seen as wicked, and the other as good.
Director Jon M. Chu brings Oz back to the big screen in a magical and bombastic way. Technically, it is a sight to behold as Chu is determined to make Wicked a true spectacle of colour. Chu’s attention to detail is reflected in the visuals, production design, and costumes. From the opening, the audience is enveloped in this world and quickly introduced to the film’s MVP, Ariana Grande. Her portrayal of Galinda allows Grande to show the world her talent as a comic showstopper as she delivers the film's funniest lines and gags with perfect timing. But by the end of the film, Erivo is the emotional centre. There’s a gentle power building throughout her performance as Elphaba slowly embraces her abilities and truths as the film goes on. By the time Elphaba starts to sing ‘Defying Gravity’, Erivo has fully owned the role.
Standing together on screen, Grande and Erivo have great chemistry. But when they sing together, it’s indescribable. Both are known for having stellar voices and it is no lie, as they breathe new life into the musical’s songs. But it’s not just them. Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey as the charismatic Fiyero has opportunities to show his skills as a performer with a future in big Hollywood films. Goldblum is doing his usual Goldblum, mixed in with a song and dance that surely garners a chuckle. Fresh off her Oscar win, Michelle Yeoh steals the spotlight when she can with her alone presence.
The film is also incredibly faithful to the original Broadway show's first act and even adds new character moments to allow the audience to spend more time in the world of Oz. The consequence of that is that for some, Wicked’s runtime might be just too long, particularly for those who aren’t familiar with the show. Being too faithful to the source material also runs the risk of losing new audiences. The big finale ends with a bang to get people excited for the second film coming out next year.
Wicked: Part 1 will leave the audience feeling every sincere emotion. One can only hope that the cast and crew can live up to the hype they created and carry it into Act 2.
Wicked is screening in cinemas now. For tickets and more info, click here.