“Wicked” struck a chord with audiences everywhere as Cynthia Erivo’s “Defying Gravity” runs its way through promos, commercials, TikTok and finally, the big screen. The movie’s opening scene is as chilling as its on-stage counterpart and the next two hours and forty minutes keep “Wicked” newbies and long-time lovers engaged throughout.
The movie depicts the musical beautifully, with extraordinary choreography, complex set design, bright and playful costumes and hilarious writing.
“I liked the cinematography,” Cooper Becthold, a senior psychology major, said. “The movie felt very immersive throughout.”
Ariana Grande impeccably plays Glinda’s whimsy and cheekiness. Erivo’s depiction of Elphaba is real, heartfelt and moving. The songs are as fantastic as ever, with obvious professionals on vocals, and the chemistry between the two is undeniable.
“My favorite part is the ‘What is This Feeling’ number, choreography,” Molly Schlotfeldt, a 4th year architecture student, said. “It was so much fun. My least favorite part was every time Boq was on the screen because I don’t like his vibe.”
The minor roles are surely cast for their acting abilities above their singing. Jonathan Bailey makes up for this with outright energy and enthusiasm with his character, Fiyero. Michelle Yeoh plays her cunning and calculated role hauntingly, but many of the lines for Madame Morrible feel trivial, extending the not-so-important plot points more than necessary. Jeff Goldblum is Jeff Goldblum, a fun representative of the Wizard, but let’s be real; he did not need to talk about his miniature city model for that long. I better not even get started on Ethan Slater’s performance.
“Personally, I feel ‘Wicked’ isn’t as much a story about friendship, but more about self-transformation and standing up for what is right,” Kira DeBrower, a 4th year architecture student, said. “‘Wicked’ is witty and entertaining even for people who don’t particularly enjoy musicals.”
As the scale shifts from musical to movie, “Wicked” smartly succeeds in projecting its themes more intimately. My favorite part is the movie’s reenactment of Elphaba’s dance in the Ozdust Ballroom–a scene traditionally taken for comic relief–where Erivo’s powerful acting brought tears to my eyes as both agony and courage gleamed in hers. This scene, in addition to others, portrays feelings of isolation and otherness in a way the stage production cannot, and Erivo expresses it impressively.
As a lifetime “Wicked” lover, there are some additions I will naturally–yet gently–lament. Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth’s cameo in “One Short Day” is delightful, where their iconic portrayals stylishly prevail in their interactions with Erivo and Grande. Yet, I can’t help but feel the new song crammed in between did not measure up to the ballad they deserved. This addition details the origins of the Grimmerie, proving that some plot details are just as effective when left abstract.
The plot strongly comments on today’s relevant themes, such as propaganda, representation, dehumanization and political division. The movie is hell-bent on spelling out each and every underlying theme but leaves little autonomy to the audience. The ability to imply without explicitly telling is something musicals do wonderfully with dense plots and limited time, something I think the movie could improve upon.
Moreover, with only half of the musical’s release, “Wicked’s” long run time feels indulgent. Many scenes could use some simplification, following the rule that often, less is more. This first act could easily be trimmed down to two hours by speeding up some awfully drawn-out talking scenes.
The CGI is lively and captivating, only pushed too far when it distracts from the songs. While Elphaba’s fluttering cape is fabulous and well done, there were one too many interruptions during “Defying Gravity” and I prefer the well-paced anthem of the musical to the chopped-up movie version.
At the end of the day, these frivolous complaints hold no candle to the many compliments I have for the movie. Its hype holds up well in execution, and I highly recommend it to any who has yet to see it. I couldn’t be happier that “Wicked” has gained more recognition, as it surely deserves. I have no doubt that crowds will be filing back in their seats to discover what “Wicked” has in store for them next. Part two is set to release on Nov. 21, 2025, and perhaps by then, we’ll manage to decipher the meaning of “holding space.”
Rating: 9/10
