Verdict: 4/5
‘Wicked’ brings the magic to the big screen in this film adaptation of the beloved musical that is sure to win over even the harshest of critics.
Two decades ago, ‘Wicked’ made its Broadway premiere.
It introduced a whole new generation to the wonderful world of musical theatre and remains one of the most enduring Broadway productions.
So, it goes without saying there were some big shoes for Director Jon M. Chu to fill (no pun intended) in bringing it to the big screen for the first time.
But with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the helm, musical fans can rest easy – ‘Wicked’ couldn’t possibly be in safer hands.
Just like the musical, the film follows Elphaba Thropp (played by Erivo) – a young woman with green skin ostracised by her peers – and her friendship with the popular and privileged Galinda Upland (Grande) at Shiz University, long before they became the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
Memorable choreography and impeccable vocals take the musical numbers to a whole new level, backed up by a talented ensemble cast who also manage to secure their own big moments.
The dynamic between Elphaba and Galinda has always been the beating heart of ‘Wicked’ though, and that remains true for the film.
Together, Erivo and Grande deliver scenes that tug at the heartstrings, while also balancing them out with more humorous moments (‘What Is this Feeling?’ is a personal favourite).
There’s obviously been some critiques of the film’s colour grading, and look, I get it. Compared to the stunning technicolour of the ‘Wizard of Oz’, ‘Wicked’ does look washed out, but it’s a weakness that pales (ha) in contrast to the overall strengths of the movie.
And when Erivo hits that final, iconic note in ‘Defying Gravity’, it’s an issue you forget all about.
‘Wicked’ is a fun and emotional ride that somehow – despite a lengthy runtime of two hours and 40 minutes – manages to not feel like a drag.
It’s a wicked good time.
Part two of ‘Wicked’ is set to arrive in cinemas on November 21, 2025.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
Ellie Busby
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other projects.