Let us rejoicify that the Wicked movie is finally here after what feels like a journey longer than the yellow brick road (at least part one). In fact, the attempts to bring Gregory Maguire’s novel to the big screen go even further than its musical adaptation as Demi Moore’s production company had bought the rights before Stephen Schwartz urged Maguire for it to be made for the stage. With numerous attempts over the years with Stephen Daldry at one point being set to direct and almost every musically talented actor being considered to play Elphaba and Glinda, it wasn’t until 2021 that was finally happening with Crazy Rich Asians’ Jon M. Chu in the director’s chair.
As each casting, set photo, trailer, piece of merch and meme from its rollercoaster of a press tour came out, I personally became more optimistic. In fact, I was so excited that I wrote a piece on how you can find inspiration from Elphie and Glinda to swankify your room on Rent. Was Part One able to defy gravity, or was it more disgusticifying than one of Glinda’s grandmother’s hats?
Wicked: Part One
Rating: ★★★★
What is Wicked Part One about?
Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked reveals so much happened before Dorothy entered Oz. Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West, real name Elphaba, met as students at Shiz University and became friends. Once invited to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Elphaba discovers the truth about what’s happening to the animals, deciding to rebel and become the most feared figure in Oz.
What did I think of Wicked: Part One?
As a lifelong fan of Wicked, it’s safe to say I had arguably the highest expectations for its film adaptation. If Part One is anything to go by, Jon M. Chu has undoubtedly succeeded. It’s clear that this film has been made by people who love and respect Wicked while adding its own spin that makes it fit the big screen. Whatever changes are made help expand the story and character arcs/motivations without feeling superfluous or pandering, still focusing on the main friendship between Elphaba and Glinda that runs through it. It could be easy to get lost in the spectacle, but its themes of political corruption, oppression and discrimination feel all the more relevant now.
While Wicked is mainly an adaptation of the stage musical and Gregory Maguire’s book, Jon M. Chu also reminds the audience it’s an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz as a whole. Providing hundreds of Easter Eggs to the most hardcore L Frank Baum fans to casual viewers of the iconic 1939 film or the hundreds of Wicked musical fans who are sure to see eat it up.
Many were skeptical at the news that the Wicked film would be split into two parts, especially after Part One was announced to have running time of two hours forty-five minutes – the same length as the entire musical. Having seen it, it now makes sense. While I think one or two scenes could’ve been shaved down in Part One, having both acts in a single film would have left the story feeling rushed by the time we reached the Wizard of Oz moments. Splitting them up allows the creatives to expand on their version of Oz as well as the character arcs i.e. Elphaba’s backstory and the Animals’ persecution.
Speaking of world building, what the creative team have done to bring Oz to life is nothing short of dazzling. Nathan Crowley’s lavish production design utilises many practical sets that make you feel immersed in locations like Shiz, Munchkinland and the Emerald City, something that feels refreshing after all the green screen heavy fantasy movies in recent years (not that Wicked doesn’t use visual effects for more action heavy scenes). Paul Tazewell’s costumes capture a sense of whimsy and fun. Experimenting with different shapes, textures and colours, each character or location has their own distinct colour pallettes and silhouettes from Glinda’s candyfloss pinks and purples to Elphaba’s sharp greens and blacks.
Alice Brooks’ cinematography captures the magic of Oz (if not going a bit too far on the backlighting) between the frantic high energy musical numbers and quiet character driven moments, with the One Short Day and Dancing Through Life being particular highlights. I must also give a shout-out to Christopher Scott’s no bars held choreography in these numbers which are arguably among of the best I’ve seen in a modern musical movie.
What’s the cast like?
I knew that Cynthia Erivo could sing the score in her sleep when she was announced, but what I loved about her Elphaba was her different characterisation. Feeling more resigned to her fate instead of angry at the world from the start, you empathise with her as she learns to accept herself while trying to call out the Animals’ injustice. Bringing heartbreaking vulnerability to moments like the Ozdust Ballroom dance and softness to songs like I’m Not That Girl, by the time she realises everything she believed in and worked hard for was a lie, her change feels authentic. When she lets it all out in Defying Gravity’s battle cry, it’s all the more cathartic.
Ariana Grande’s casting as Glinda almost immediately caused a stir due to her pop star status leaving accusations of stunt casting to run afloat – I was always optimistic considering her theatrical background and unabashed love for the Wicked musical in interviews, and she exceeded all expectations. Going all out with the comedy and one-liners with Popular being a highlight, she puts 100,000% in yet adds nuance to Glinda’s bubbly and shallow personality as someone who puts on a front because she cares about what other people think of her. I cannot wait to see how she handles the meatier parts of Glinda’s arc in Part Two.
Jonathan Bailey provides the most intriguing nuances as an utterly charming Fiyero who feels more fleshed out compared to the stage version. When not giving major bisexual energy, you can see how his not-a-care-in-the-world life philosophy is an act that hides an emptiness inside, making the attraction between him and Elphaba a tad more believable from the start. Plus it was exciting seeing him give major theatre kid energy in Dancing Through Life.
Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible feels the most departed personality-wise from her stage counterpart. Rather than the larger than life panto-esque villain, Yeoh’s Morrible is more understated and cold yet her commanding presence is what makes her feel intimidating. Jeff Goldblum brings his usual Jeff Goldblum charm to the Wizard that feels very Walt Disney coded in A Sentimental Man.
As for the more minor roles, Marissa Bode’s Nessarose is given more agency as she despises people infantilising her as a wheelchair user, if not slightly underutilised as well as Ethan Slater’s Boq. Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James are delightfully catty as Pfanee and ShenShen, while Peter Dinklage’s vocal performance as Dr. Dillamond provides heart and humour in his scenes with Elphaba (and a surprisingly good singing voice).
Also keep your eyes peeled for West End stars including former Elphie Alice Fearn as Glinda’s mother, Andy Nyman as Governor Thropp (possibly the only time I’ve felt anything resembling pity for him), Sharon D. Clarke voicing Dulcibear and Keala Settle as new Head Shizmistress Miss Coddle. That’s not even getting into One Short Day that features absolutely thrillifying cameos from some very familiar faces if you know your Wicked lore – you’ll be so happy you could melt!
What are my overall thoughts?
Only a director like Jon M. Chu would have the brains, heart and courage to finally bring Wicked to the big screen. Paying to the musical’s spirit and keeping its all the more relevant messages of friendship, prejudice and identity intact, it’s an utterly spellbinding piece of cinema with a phenomenal cast who bring such nuances and a freshness with no weak link to be found.
All else I have to say is bring on Part 2 so I can watch a five-hour version to my heart’s content!
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