Given the iconic nature and continual impact Wicked has on pop culture (especially on Tik Tok lately), the bar for a film adaptation of the renowned Broadway-musical couldn’t be higher. Yet, director John M. Chu’s big-screen adaptation soars higher than anyone could’ve thought and adds to the show’s growing legacy. 

Based on Steven Schwartz’s 2003 stage musical that’s loosely adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel of the same name, the film takes viewers back to the Land of Oz. Instead of following Dorothy though, the film focuses on the budding friendship between Galinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) before they become Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West, respectively. With this adaptation, Chu transforms Oz into a sprawling fantasy landscape that never ceases to amaze. The transition from the stage to the silver screen comes with an elevated scale and scope that gives beloved settings a larger than life atmosphere. For the first time, fans will see places like the Emerald City and Shiz University in their full form – bursting with life and color. Not to mention, Chu’s craftsmanship is so grand and ambitious that there are a lot of visuals to marvel at. 

There are great nods to the style of the 1939 original through a nostalgic title card and well established roots to Oz’s initial depiction. The CGI used for animal characters and magic perfectly fits the world of Oz and generally elevates the emotion of the moment. Plus, there are loving details, references, and foreshadowing sprinkled throughout the environments for fans to eat up with delight. It’s what makes this film an effective first part to a two-parter as it offers enough insight into the lore to make viewers intrigued to know more. Chu’s vision for Wicked is simply unmatched, and the show’s iconic music is equally awe-striking. 

As expected, “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” are the biggest and best songs that’ll have audiences itching to sing along. Grande’s irresistible charm as Galinda makes “Popular” a highly-enjoyable bop that reignites the energy of the film. Erivo carries palpable emotion throughout “Defying Gravity” that allows it to be the eye-widening, heart-melting swan song fans adore. However, this adaptation really sees the entire soundtrack reach new heights. “One Short Day” characterizes the Emerald City excellently and features two applause-worthy cameos who absolutely slay on-screen. “Dancing Through Life” is a stunning ensemble song that sees Jonathan Bailey put a spell on audiences through his relentless magnetism as Fiyero. Personally, “The Wizard and I” is the song that acts as this great turning point for the film – thriving through Erivo’s vocals and reflecting the strong choreography and visuals that stem from Chu’s vision. Wicked sees Chu hit new technical and stylistic highs that make it a visual masterclass that expands everything fans love about the show. 

Wicked isn’t just dazzling glitz and glam though, as its heart is felt through its strong central narrative and the characters – well, most of them anyway. If Wicked falters in any way by being a two-parter, it’s that some of the characters simply feel under-cooked. Characters like Boq (Ethan Slater) and Nessarose (Marissa Bode) constantly seem like they’re more important than they actually are and ultimately only bring in thin story arcs that lack power and generally cause the pacing to clog up. It’s very possible that some of these lesser story threads will gain ground in part two, but right now, they’re just there with little purpose. However, that doesn’t mean the supporting cast is subpar – quite the opposite honestly. Bailey brings some hunky heroism to Fiyero that’ll make him an instant crowd-favorite. He also taps into the character’s inner complexity and cathartic perspective that builds a lot of good potential for the future. Peter Dinklage is also excellent in his voice role of goat professor Dr. Dillamond as he instills gutting emotion and acts as a heartfelt guiding force for Elphaba and the film’s themes. Also, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh bring a great screen presence to their characters that makes the final act so much juicier and more fun. 

Without a doubt though, Grande and Erivo deliver the best performances and carry a magical chemistry that’s heartwarming to see develop. As individuals, they effortlessly make their characters a joy to watch. Grande brings Galinda’s arrogance and self-importance to life in a likeable way – accentuating her every attempt to impress and playing up her need to be seen and loved by all. She’s endlessly fun and delightfully comical at times, but also shines as Galinda grows in the film’s second half. As for Erivo, she constantly sews emotion into every part of Elphaba’s journey. Whether she’s dealing with bullying for being different or becoming more connected to other persecutions happening across Oz, Erivo makes Elphaba someone audiences will always tether to. She simply has an unabashed sense of care that’s instantly warming, and her fearlessness in facing opposition to do what’s right ultimately causes the final stretch of her arc to be totally triumphant. 

When Grande and Erivo go toe-to-toe, it’s a blast to see these two throw digs at one another and have this harsh yet fun tension – especially in songs like “Loathing.” But it’s even more satisfying to see them eventually turn the page and come together. Although, admittedly, their friendship forms a little fast and would have benefited from more on-screen development, the budding dynamic between Galinda and Elphaba is what gives this story its raw thematic power. It’s what makes the film’s initial thoughts about wickedness and whether it comes within or is caused by others permeate so strongly throughout. Elphaba’s arc is all about inner power and how others will use it for their own gains, and it results in an enthralling finale that’s stunning at every turn. More importantly, it caps off this first chapter in fulfilling fashion, and this two-part concept could be very fitting for Wicked. With this first part combining elements of Schwartz’s musical and Maguire’s novel, there’s a lot of story beats surrounding Elphaba’s new path, this growing conflict between people and animals, and character turns still to come that make an eventual second part so exciting. 

Wicked is the epic adaptation fans have been dreaming of for years as Chu’s vision elevates every aspect of the experience. From the stunning scale that takes the stage show to cinema-calibur heights to the award-worthy performances from Erivo and Grande that equally improve the music and story, it’s an all-around must-see that easily ranks among one of the best theater experiences of the year.

Watch the Trailer Here: