What’s It About
An unlikely friendship emerges between Elphaba and Glinda, two clashing witches in the magical land of Oz. Elphaba is wrongfully cast as a wicked witch as she seeks to expose the fraudulent, corrupt Wizard who rules the land.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
“Wicked” is a daring movie adaptation of the stage musical based on Gregory Maguire’s fresh take on “The Wizard of Oz.” The film shines with luxury in every frame, from its bright, intellectually satisfying steampunk-style designs to its detailed costumes that remind us of the bright colors of old Technicolor films. Director Jon M. Chu wields a cast of hundreds, melding the steps of dozens of dancers, a rainbow-hued Munchkin chorus, and a full orchestra into a thick stew of song and dance. The narrative unfolds across 2 hours and 40 minutes, beginning with the birth of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), whose emerald skin immediately marks her as different in the conformist society of Oz. Following her mother’s untimely death, Elphaba endures a childhood of subtle neglect while her father lavishes attention on her younger sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), who uses a wheelchair. Their world expands when they enter Shiz University, an institution that blends the academic prestige of Harvard with the mystical elements of Hogwarts. Here, Elphaba’s raw and untamed magical talents catch the discerning eye of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), leading to specialized instruction that sets her apart from her peers. The heart of the story lies in the intricate dynamic between Elphaba and Galinda/Glinda (Ariana Grande-Butera). Their relationship begins as a complex rivalry fueled by competition for academic recognition and the affections of the charismatic Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), but evolves into something far more nuanced. A political crisis is occurring in Oz as it hails personal problems. The leaders are putting more and more restrictions on talking animals, including a professor played by Peter Dinklage. This injustice pushes Elphaba to meet with the mysterious Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum. This begins a train of events that will change Oz forever. Grande-Butera gives an enthralling performance as Glinda, imbuing a character who is both charming and unsettling. Her performance as the wealthy socialite is well-calculated behind the glittering exterior, which makes her a multi-dimensional bad guy who steals the show in every single frame. But it’s Erivo’s Elphaba who figures to be, more or less, the tale’s fountain of morality and sentiments. The casting is all the more significant as a black actress in this iconic role, lending profound meaning to the character’s feeling of being different. Erivo’s strong performance makes the movie’s themes of discrimination and moral courage feel pertinent today. Stephen Schwartz’s music is a good balance between clever words and genuine emotion, and the big production numbers are a great mix of visuals with story meaning. Even when these elements get too much to handle, they contribute to the grand scale of the story and the carrying of deeper themes. The dance moves from simple acting to strong storytelling that enhances the plot and character growth. Within its nearly three-hour runtime, “Wicked” is mainly a great film. It maintains its emotional core by exploring the effects of popularity, bias, and the personal cost of going against the system regardless of Hollywood practices. The production’s technical achievements – from its digital landscapes to its practical effects – create a fully realized version of Oz that honors both Baum’s original vision and Maguire’s darker reimagining. Social commentary aside, the film proves already surprisingly relevant, but in doing this, it sensibly allows those themes to emerge organically through character and story rather than through heavy-handed efficiency. It’s a rich tapestry that brings together spectacle, music, and meaning into a meeting that respects its material yet conjures something essentially cinematic. An adaptation that serves as a remarkable example of consolidating a well-loved stage production into the screen without losing its very essence of enchantment and deeper resonances.
OUR RATING – AN ERIVO 7