Possibly the most anticipated film of the year, Wicked, hit theaters this November 22nd. This beloved musical that initially debuted on Broadway in 2003 has won the hearts of many, and after 20 years, it finally reached the big screen and is being praised by critics and audiences alike.
The musical Wicked is based on the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire, a spin-off from The Wizard of Oz. Wicked is the retelling of the story of the two witches: The Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba; and Glinda, the Good Witch. Wicked aims to flip the narrative about the known “evil” witch Elphaba and tell the true story of how she became known as wicked.
The majority of this film takes place at Shiz, the school where Elphaba and Glinda both attend. After a misunderstanding with the Headmistress, Elphaba and Glinda are assigned to room together, causing chaos and forming a profound hatred between the two. Their dislike for each other stems from their overall differences and polar opposite personalities. Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, is the stereotypical “popular” girl who is perky, loves pink, and is universally admired by her teachers and classmates. Elphaba, on the other hand, played by Cynthia Erivo, is odd and quiet, but talented, yet wholly cast out due to her green-colored skin. However, against all odds, the two leads become best friends and face Oz’s moral and political turmoil together.
What stood out the most about this movie easily was the soundtrack. Each song was phenomenal and fit into the storyline beautifully. Even more impressive, Erivo and Grande sang live on set, even while performing their own stunts. My favorite songs were “What Is This Feeling?” “Dancing Through Life,” and, of course, “Defying Gravity.” Although I was apprehensive if the cast could live up to the iconic original Broadway recordings, I was pleasantly proven wrong as every performance was nothing short of extraordinary.
Secondly, what I really admired about Wicked was the casting. Specifically, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Ervivo, who simply shine throughout this film. These two had such beautiful chemistry; it felt like I was watching two sisters. Furthermore, their voices together blended so seamlessly that every duet felt magical. And although Grande’s casting caused some mild controversy, she most definitely proved any hater wrong. I, like some others, was hesitant when it was announced that the world-famous pop star would take on the iconic role of Glinda. However, she proved me wrong within the first minutes of the movie. It was clear that this was Grande’s dream role since she was ten; she poured her heart and soul into this movie. Whether it was her comedic dialogue or superb singing, it’s safe to say that I was impressed.
To add on to the phenomenon that Wicked already is, Director John Chu just recently announced that Wicked: Part 2, which will be the musical’s second act, has wrapped filming and will be released on November 21st, 2025. The second movie will be less of a “prequel” and introduce more beloved characters from The Wizard of Oz, like the Scarecrow and Tinman.
Ultimately, what I adored the most about Wicked was the overall themes of friendship and empowerment that were prevalent in this film. Wicked takes what is thought to be known about the two witches and turns that narrative on its head. Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship is, without a doubt, the heart of this film, and I think it serves as an essential reminder that friendships can form from even the most unlikely of duos. Overall, Wicked was magical.