If you’ve been anywhere on social media recently, you’ve heard about the new movie “Wicked”. Whether it is interview clips, the iconic Glinda-Elphaba song, or the term “holding space” (does anyone actually know what that means?), everyone seems to be talking about it. But, the question is, does the movie actually live up to the hype? I am here to tell you that yes, it not only met my expectations, but surpassed them by far.
As a prior fan of the musical, I will admit that I had doubts going into the movie. “Wicked” is only act one of the original musical, but is around the same length as the entirety of the original musical (2 hours, 40 minutes). I felt like the movie was going to be too long, and that it was going to drag. I was wrong. The added length coupled with the incredible set design, costumes, and special effects gave us a more in-depth look at the world of Oz, a look that I now know we needed.
If you are unfamiliar with the storyline or haven’t seen the musical, allow me to explain. The movie serves as a prequel to the iconic Wizard of Oz story, and explores the relationship between Glinda (the Good Witch) and Elphaba (the Wicked Witch), who were portrayed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, respectively.
The movie opens, similar to how the musical does, with the scene right after the Wicked Witch has been vanquished. We see the citizens of Munchkinland celebrating her death and are introduced to Glinda. We then flashback to the beginning and see Elphaba’s mother with a mysterious man. When Elphaba is born nine months later, she is, to the horror of both her parents, green. She goes to Shiz, the University of Oz, where she meets Glinda, and the two embark upon the adventure of a lifetime.
The movie contains all of the original Broadway songs, and I would go as far as to say that they are made even better by Grande and Eviro. The ending number, “Defying Gravity,” brought me to tears. What is all the more impressive is that Grande and Eviro sang live as a tribute to the Broadway performers, so all of the singing, acting, and dancing was done at the same time.
Speaking of the original Broadway performers, one very special moment in the movie for me was a number called “One Short Day” which was sung by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who portrayed the original Glinda and Elphaba in the Broadway performance. As a lover of the musical, watching the old Glinda sing with the new Glinda, and the old Elphaba sing with the new Elphaba made me emotional, and it was such a small yet special touch for them to include.
While most people are focusing on Grande’s and Erivo’s singing, and it was certainly the highlight of the movie for me, I believe that their acting is not to be discredited either. I had certainly seen Grandes previous roles, on shows like “Sam and Cat” and “Victorious,” but I must admit I had doubts about her ability to act in a more serious role. She proved me wrong, however, and acted beautifully. With Erivo’s long history of appearing in both movies and television, I didn’t doubt her, and she did not disappoint. Watching the two of them portray their characters made me feel like I was simply watching a pair of best friends embark on an adventure.
I honestly cannot speak highly enough of this movie, and I have very few critiques to give. Everything from the musical numbers to the set design was absolutely perfect. They did a phenomenal job not only casting Grande and Eviro, but the rest of the characters as well. Jeff Goldblum portrayed the Wizard with all of the quirkiness that was needed, and Michelle Yeoh, who played Madame Morrible, Elphaba’s mentor, was elegant and cunning, just as she should be.
Go see “Wicked” at your earliest possible opportunity. There is something for everyone, and even if you are not a musical lover, you can appreciate the beauty and emotion that is captured in “Wicked.” I assure you I will be eagerly counting down the days until act two is released.
