‘Wicked’ Movie Review: Cynthia Erivo And Ariana Grande Bring The House Down In Stunning Musical Adaptation
Photo from Universal Pictures
From Joe Peltzer
Film adaptations of Broadway hits are risky endeavors, especially musicals, as one misstep could lead to the rabid fanbase of said show ensuring a box office and repetitional flop for all involved. Perhaps no show feels more untouchable in the modern era than Wicked, a deeply meaningful production exploring themes of identity, self-love, corruption, and female empowerment through a story that spins the iconic The Wizard of Oz on its head. Wicked flies onto the big screen with care and respect for what has come before and iconic, show-stopping performances that take viewers deeper into Oz than ever before and cements itself as one of the best films of the year, if not the best musical decades.
An adaptation of the hit Broadway show that debuted in 2003, itself born from Gregory Maguire’s novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” the story explores the early days of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) as they journey from enemies to best friends before encountering the truth behind the Wizard of Oz. For those not familiar, the tale told through Wicked serves as a prequel of sorts to Dorothy Gale’s well-known story, the latter picking up in the second act of the show (and soon Wicked: Part II). It fills in the backstory of many characters while deepening the culture and politics at play in The Emerald City. Jon M. Chu, who most recently adapted In the Heights, a fantastic film if I do say so myself and one that deserves more attention than it received, expertly brings the story to life on screen with every choice, from casting to production, perfectly executed. Not since the major fantasy productions of exquisite world-building like Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Harry Potter series of films has a cinematic experience been so enthralling and immersive.
The expected success of Wicked on the big screen will have many factors noted for contributing, but perhaps the number one reason is the stellar cast. Erivo is, as always, flawless in her portrayal of Elphaba, displaying a raw intensity that takes the audience on a developmental journey of self-discovery. Much has been documented about the film’s production, but Erivo’s commitment and delivery of the triple threat (acting, stunts, and live singing) cannot be overstated. You feel her emotions in every scene through an empathetic performance for the ages. She’s only strengthened by her costar, Grande as Glinda, who stuns as the self-absorbed, popular beauty on her own parallel journey. Grande not only nails every mannerism and every note, but she unlocks her talent as a fantastic character actor who will no doubt be in the awards conversation. Together, Erivo and Grande may go down as one of the best casting pair decisions in the history of film.
They’re not alone either as Jonathan Bailey brings an energy and sexual aura to Fiyero that will remind fans of the show why they loved the character in the first place. Beneath his showboating exterior, there is much more to the man; by the end of the film we are just beginning to tap into his journey. That’s the beauty of Wicked… the individual journeys that all of the characters go on, each identifiable paths that audience members connect with. Some aren’t as positive, however, as Michelle Yeoh’s devilishly good portrayal of Madame Morrible will likely shock the uninitiated and Jeff Goldblum’s portrayal of The Wizard mixes his Thor: Ragnarok character of The Grandmaster with a deviously contrived con artist. Marissa Bode (Nessarose) is adorably portrayed while Ethan Slater brings the bumbling Boq to life with (perhaps) ease. And of course Bowen Yang delivers as Glinda’s sassy gay bestie!
From the costumes to the set design, every bit of Wicked leaps from the screen and ensnares you in its creative grasp, tapping into every emotion imaginable (I cried, clearly). When the musical moments take over, it is hard not to gasp in awe at the respectful homage paid to the Broadway versions spiced up with simply a touch of bass here or vocal flare there. The choreography, particularly in “Loathing,” is exquisitely unique, the camerawork fun and different. It all leads to the climax of “Defying Gravity” that is enhanced beyond imagination, made even more grandiose than thought possible, and absolutely owned by Erivo.
Just some months ago, we all questioned why this was being split into two parts. The answer, after seeing the film, is clear: the scale is enormous, allowing the story time to breathe. I could have sat there for 4 more hours. There also was much ado about the color grading, something that may not be for everyone, but actually works rather well in establishing the world of the film. Jon M. Chu may just be the musical whisperer; his knack for adapting the spirit and charm of these productions is unrivaled (sure, Spielberg’s West Side Story was good, but this is something else).
Wicked is a monumental achievement, a cinematic joyride unlike anything experienced in recent memory and as damn near perfect a film one could make. It will not only excite longtime fans of the story, but delight young and old alike they experience Wicked for the first time.
Rating: 5/5
Wicked hits theaters this Friday.
