Wicked (2024)

A Spectacular Journey Back to Oz

Few stage musicals in modern history have enjoyed the cultural longevity of Wicked. Since its Broadway debut in 2003, the story of the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West has enchanted millions. Translating such a beloved theatrical phenomenon to the screen was always going to be a daunting challenge. Yet Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, largely succeeds in capturing the emotional power, spectacle and heart of the original while expanding the magical world of Oz in ways the stage never could.

Serving as the first half of a two-part cinematic adaptation, the film explores the origins of one of literature and cinema’s most misunderstood villains, re-examining the events that eventually lead to The Wizard of Oz. The result is a visually lavish, emotionally sincere musical that feels both faithful to its roots and confidently cinematic.

A Story of Friendship, Identity and Misunderstanding

At its heart, Wicked is not really about witches or even Oz — it is about friendship.

The story follows Elphaba, played with remarkable emotional depth by Cynthia Erivo. Born with green skin and ostracised from childhood, she arrives at Shiz University carrying a lifetime of prejudice and resentment. Her intelligence and fierce sense of justice quickly set her apart.

Her unlikely roommate is Glinda, portrayed with bubbly charm by Ariana Grande. Initially shallow, popularity-obsessed and blissfully unaware of the struggles of others, Glinda begins as Elphaba’s polar opposite.

What unfolds is one of the most compelling friendships in modern musical storytelling. Their relationship grows from rivalry to mutual respect, eventually blossoming into a genuine bond — one that is tested by politics, power, and the manipulations of the mysterious Wizard.

The screenplay carefully builds this dynamic, allowing the audience to understand how two friends ultimately end up on opposite sides of history.

Performances that Carry the Magic

Casting was always going to be the film’s most scrutinised element, and the production delivers.

Cynthia Erivo anchors the film with a performance of tremendous emotional weight. Her Elphaba is not merely misunderstood; she is driven by compassion and moral courage. When she sings the iconic “Defying Gravity”, the moment becomes less a musical showstopper and more a declaration of identity.

Ariana Grande, meanwhile, surprises many sceptics with a performance that perfectly captures Glinda’s theatrical flamboyance while gradually revealing vulnerability beneath the sparkle.

The supporting cast adds depth to the world of Oz, including the enigmatic Wizard and the charismatic Fiyero, each contributing to the shifting political landscape that pushes Elphaba towards the fate audiences already know.

A Visual Spectacle Worthy of Oz

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is its production design.

The world of Oz has been expanded far beyond the stage version. Shiz University, the Emerald City and the vast landscapes of Oz are rendered with dazzling detail. Director Jon M. Chu uses sweeping camera movements and richly textured sets to create a sense of scale that theatre simply cannot match.

Yet despite the scale, the film retains the whimsical charm that links it spiritually to The Wizard of Oz. Emerald towers glow, magical creatures roam the countryside, and costumes burst with colour and personality.

The cinematography and practical sets give the film a tactile, storybook quality — something that helps ground the fantasy.

Music That Still Soars

Fans of the stage production will be relieved to know that the beloved score by Stephen Schwartz remains largely intact.

Songs such as “Popular”, “The Wizard and I”, and of course “Defying Gravity” retain their theatrical power while benefiting from the cinematic scale. The orchestration feels grander, and the performances give the music renewed emotional resonance.

Rather than feeling like a filmed stage show, the numbers are carefully staged as cinematic sequences — using movement, location and editing to enhance the storytelling.

A Story Told in Two Parts

Perhaps the film’s most controversial choice is the decision to split the musical into two movies.

While some may see this as unnecessary, it ultimately allows the story to breathe. The film spends more time exploring the politics of Oz, the social tensions surrounding magical creatures, and the ideological divide that eventually separates Elphaba and Glinda.

This expansion deepens the narrative rather than diluting it.

Still, the ending leaves audiences poised for the continuation of the story — meaning the emotional payoff will only fully land once the second film arrives.

Final Verdict

Wicked is a rare example of a stage musical successfully transforming into a grand cinematic event. It respects the material that audiences love while embracing the possibilities of film.

Cynthia Erivo delivers a powerhouse performance, Ariana Grande proves herself a delightful Glinda, and Jon M. Chu directs with both spectacle and sincerity.

For longtime fans of the musical, the film feels like a celebration. For newcomers, it offers an enchanting introduction to one of the most beloved stories in modern theatre.

And perhaps most importantly, it reminds audiences that history often paints villains too simply — because sometimes the Wicked Witch is just a misunderstood girl who dared to defy gravity.