Wicked (2024) Movie Review | Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande

Release Date: November 22, 2024
Format: 2D
Language: English, Hindi
Genre: Fantasy, Musical

Wicked, based on the beloved Broadway musical, brings to life a story from the land of Oz, focusing on Elphaba, the “Wicked Witch of the West.” This fantasy-musical reimagines the world we know from The Wizard of Oz from a different perspective, offering an emotional tale of friendship, ambition, and the cost of defying expectations. Directed by Jon M. Chu and featuring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, Wicked is a visually enchanting journey paired with stunning musical numbers.

Wicked (2024) Movie Review | Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande

The story follows Elphaba, a young woman born with green skin, whose life has been defined by prejudice and isolation. At school, she meets Glinda, a popular student known for her beauty and charm. Despite their initial differences, the two develop a unique and powerful friendship. Elphaba’s life takes a turn when she encounters the Wizard of Oz, a meeting that opens her eyes to her true potential but also to the dark forces at play in her world.

The film explores how Elphaba’s life is changed by her pursuit of justice and equality, choices that set her on a path opposite to Glinda’s. As Elphaba and Glinda take diverging paths—one toward rebellion and the other toward acceptance and popularity—their relationship faces complex challenges. These journeys reveal the complicated reality behind the labels of “good” and “wicked.”

Wicked (2024) Movie Castings

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
Cynthia Erivo brings incredible depth to Elphaba, capturing both her vulnerability and inner strength. Her portrayal is powerful and layered, depicting the character’s struggles with discrimination and her unwavering sense of justice. Cynthia’s remarkable voice breathes new life into the musical’s iconic songs, like “Defying Gravity,” delivering an unforgettable performance that resonates with the audience.

Ariana Grande as Glinda
Ariana Grande shines as the bubbly and ambitious Glinda, adding charm and humor to her character. Her Glinda is vibrant and ambitious, with a heart that wants to do good even as she navigates the pressures of popularity. Ariana’s impressive vocal skills add a new dimension to songs like “Popular,” perfectly capturing Glinda’s complexity and innocence.

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
Michelle Yeoh delivers an enigmatic performance as Madame Morrible, the character who subtly influences events from behind the scenes. Her nuanced portrayal brings a touch of mystery and authority to the role, adding depth to the story’s underlying conflicts.

Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard
Jeff Goldblum brings his unique charisma to the role of the Wizard, creating a layered character whose intentions are never entirely transparent. His scenes with Elphaba are tense and powerful, highlighting the complex power dynamics at play in Oz.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Jon M. Chu creates a grand vision of Oz that is both magical and reflective of real-world issues. His approach to the material is respectful of the musical’s roots, yet he expands it for the big screen with stunning visuals and dynamic camera work. Chu’s knack for balancing emotion with spectacle shines here, as he carefully builds the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, making their later conflicts all the more poignant.

The screenplay effectively captures the humor, drama, and moral complexities that make Wicked such a beloved story. The dialogue is faithful to the source material, with a few fresh additions that feel natural. The adaptation stays true to the essence of Gregory Maguire’s novel and the Broadway musical while introducing elements that make the story feel fresh and cinematic.

Wicked (2024) Movie Trailer

Music and Choreography

The music by Stephen Schwartz remains the film’s heartbeat, bringing back iconic numbers with new energy. Classics like “For Good” and “Popular” are beautifully reimagined, with Erivo and Grande lending their vocal prowess to each song. The orchestration is grand and immersive, giving the songs a cinematic feel that enhances their emotional impact.

The choreography is graceful and expressive, capturing the character dynamics and the fantastical elements of Oz. Dance sequences in “Dancing Through Life” and “Defying Gravity” are especially impressive, adding a sense of magic to the story’s key moments.

Cinematography and Visual Effects

The visuals are breathtaking, with Oz brought to life in rich colors and intricate designs. The cinematography captures the grandeur and surreal beauty of the land, enhancing the magical atmosphere while grounding it in emotional depth. The Emerald City is depicted with stunning detail, and the visual effects for Elphaba’s spells are seamlessly integrated, adding to the story’s mystique without overshadowing the character-driven narrative.

Summary

Wicked is a captivating, emotional experience that brings the story of Elphaba and Glinda to new heights. With powerful performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable music, the film does justice to its beloved source material. Director Jon M. Chu has crafted a movie that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, ensuring that both fans of the musical and new audiences will find something to love.