Photo from IMDb

Yes, the highly anticipated movie we’ve been hearing about since 2012 has finally hit the big screen! Wicked, directed by Jon Chu and released on November 22, 2024, is the long-awaited adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel.

The movie stays true to its source material, exploring the complicated friendship between Elphaba, the green-skinned outcast who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the bubbly, ambitious Good Witch. While the stage show hinted at the vastness of Oz, the film brings it fully to life, with dazzling visuals and a mesmerizing Emerald City that immerses viewers in the world of Oz. However, the stunning cinematography sometimes risks overshadowing the intimacy that made the musical so cherished.

At the heart of the film are Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, whose performances bring depth and magic to their iconic roles. Grande’s take on Glinda is playful and charming, especially during Popular, a crowd-pleaser that shows off her comedic flair. Grande, who has openly shared her childhood dream of playing Glinda, shines in the role. Erivo’s breathtaking vocals and raw emotional delivery elevate songs like The Wizard and I and the legendary Defying Gravity, making her portrayal of Elphaba unforgettable. Together, Grande and Erivo share an emotional, bittersweet chemistry that underscores the story’s themes of friendship and sacrifice.

The supporting cast also deserves major praise. Jonathan Bailey brings charm and complexity to Fiyero, a character who often fades into the background. Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible is delightfully wicked, and her performance is so convincing that you love to hate her. Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz perfectly balances charisma with manipulative undertones, capturing the character’s duality. Marissa Bode, who plays Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister, offers a refreshing portrayal of disability, as her character uses a wheelchair—a much-needed representation rarely seen in mainstream media. Each actor’s thoughtful performance ensures the story resonates, even for those unfamiliar with the musical.

And, can we just take a moment to appreciate the dedication of the cast? Grande and Erivo performed their stunts and sang live on set, which is practically unheard of in musical films! They didn’t rely on backing tracks, and many of the sets were built practically rather than relying on CGI. This commitment to authenticity elevates the movie, adding depth and realism that’s often missing in modern adaptations.

The music stayed mostly true to the Broadway show, though there were a few changes. The only thing I wish they kept was the stomps and background noise during What Is This Feeling as the soundtrack version felt slightly less impactful without them. Also, some of the songs shocked me — I didn’t even realize they were in the original musical!

For us broke college students who can’t just take a spontaneous trip to New York to see Wicked on Broadway, this movie is an affordable and accessible way to experience the magic. It’s also more inclusive—you can enjoy it with subtitles, making it easier for those who rely on them to follow along without struggling to catch the actors’ dialogue on stage.

And, let’s not forget the marketing! If you didn’t know this movie was coming out, you must have been living under a rock. There were collaborations with Starbucks, Target, Rem Beauty, Stanley, and so many other brands. They went all out to make sure Wicked was on everyone’s radar.

Overall, this movie is a phenomenal adaptation that will go down in history as one of the best films of 2024. I’m giving it a solid 10/10 Dr. Dillamonds (he’s the GOAT— literally). Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to watch it again!