Over the past couple of months, I have been unable to escape the marketing for the “Wicked” film between the endless television ads and brand collaborations. But it is actually worth the hype.
Yes. Yes, it is.
The film is a showcase of powerful performances, with Cynthia Erivov’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Galinda stealing the show. Their portrayal of the characters is not just convincing, but also captivating, making the film a must-watch for any fan of the original musical. “Wicked” is the musical’s first act, stretched to nearly three hours, following Elphaba, destined to be the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda, destined to shorten her name to Glinda and become the Good Witch of the North, through their first year at Shiz in the merry old land of Oz.
They make friends, fall in love and eventually discover the man behind the curtain, a pivotal moment in the story that challenges their beliefs and sets them on a path of self-discovery.
The musical has been a musical theater staple for nearly twenty years. I was excited for it to come to the silver screen, and I’m glad it’s finally getting the attention it deserves.
As a fan of the original Broadway musical, I was skeptical of Grande’s casting in the role of Glinda. She has almost the opposite public image as Glinda, but she blew it out of the water. Erivo is a great Elphaba, but she is given fewer fun things to do. She does very well with the material she gets.
Jeff Goldblum was not the best choice for the Wizard, as he can’t sing as well as the rest of the cast, but he also has the “Wonderful“ song, which is considered the worst song in the musical to sing, due to its complex vocal range and emotional depth, which isn’t his fault.
The film’s set design is truly awe-inspiring, with most sets being built instead of relying on computer-generated images. This commitment to building most of the sets, instead of taking the easier route of using computer-generated images like many films do, is truly commendable. It adds a layer of realism to each scene, making the audience feel more immersed in the magical world of Oz. The extra effort put into the set design is truly impressive and greatly appreciated.
The choreography is also a standout feature of the film. Jonathan Bailey, in particular, is a standout dancer (fitting since his main song is called “Dancing Through Life“). It’s impressive to see the choreography considering one of the actors is in a wheelchair, the character of Nessarose (played by actress Marissa Bode, the first disabled actress to play the character).
The film leaves us on the edge of our seats with the cliffhanger of “Defying Gravity,“ leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the next act and the resolution of the characters’ dilemmas. As someone who already knows how it ends, I can’t wait to see how the filmmakers bring the story’s second half to life. The anticipation for the next act is palpable, and it’s a testament to the film’s ability to keep us engaged and wanting more.
