Wicked is a prequel to Wizard of Oz, focusing on the unexpected friendship between Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the charming but self-absorbed Good Witch. The much-anticipated film Wicked, based on the popular Broadway musical, finally brings the iconic story of Elphaba and Glinda to the big screen. Directed by Jon Chu with Ariana Grande starring Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Wicked is a stunning, emotional retelling of the loved musical.
The movie captures the essence of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, giving a fresh look at the familiar tale of The Wizard of Oz from a different perspective. The story takes place in the land of Oz, where Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl, becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. However, this version of Elphaba is far from the evil, power-hungry villain depicted in the classic tale.
Instead, Wicked dives deeper into the complex nature of good and evil, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and the areas between right and wrong. Elphaba’s friendship with the charming and perky Glinda is central to the plot, and their contrasting personalities form the heart of the narrative. Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is a masterpiece.
Erivo brings emotional deep and raw power to the role, particularly in her iconic number, “Defying Gravity,” where her performance is truly something else. Erivo’s vocal range and presence make Elphaba an intimidating character, one that’s as empathetic as she is powerful.
Ariana Grande’s Glinda, on the other hand, is equally charming and comedic. She perfectly captures Glinda’s bubbly, yet sensitive, nature. Grande’s voice shines through in songs like “Popular” and “Loathing,” where she balances the role of lightheartedness. Her chemistry with Erivo is substantial, and the two actresses make their evolving friendship feel genuine and heartbreaking.
The music of Wicked has always been one of its defining features, and the film adaptation does not disappoint in this regard. Stephen Schwartz’s score has been arranged to fit the glory of a Hollywood blockbuster, with songs like “Not That Girl” and “Defying Gravity” evoking the same emotional echo that fans of the musical have come to love. The movie doesn’t stray too far from the original score but updates certain placements to give them a more cinematic feel.
Combining Grande’s and Erivo’s powerful vocals with the orchestration creates an unforgettable musical experience that complements the visual spectacle. Freshman Capri Gonzalez says”Wicked was a truly beautiful experience, the visuals were so reminiscent of classic oz, and the new tone of familiar tunes was a great way to refresh an experience”.
