‘Wicked’ honors Broadway roots with stellar turns from Erivo and Grande

CEBU, Philippines — Stage-to-film adaptations are always hard to pull off, especially if it’s bringing a well-beloved musical to the big screen. That’s probably why “Wicked” took 21 years to finally arrive on our screens after its 2003 Broadway premiere.

After a revolving door of directors, the film finally landed in the hands of Jon M. Chu, who has experience with music-oriented films like “Step Up” and lavish-scale productions such as “Crazy Rich Asians.”

Joining him in bringing this musical to the big screen are leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, taking on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, originally played by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.

With a runtime of two-and-a-half-hours, you can see that Chu and his team were delicate in adapting the musical origins of the Wicked Witch of the West and her foes-to-best-friend Good Witch of the South – one instance being splitting the story into two parts.

Initially met with skepticism, this creative decision was necessary for rich cinematic storytelling. The first film ends on a high note with Elphaba’s show-stopping performance of “Defying Gravity,” a fitting conclusion to the first act. Trying to condense the entire story into one film would likely have lost the story’s emotional momentum.

“Wicked” follows Elphaba as she begins to realize her full potential as a witch while facing discrimination for her green skin at Shiz University. She starts at odds with Glinda, but over time, their rivalry turns into a close friendship. Meanwhile, Oz is facing a growing crisis involving the suppression of the rights of animals, which drives Elphaba to seek out the Wizard in the hope of solving the issue.

“Wicked” asks a profound question: Are we born wicked, or is it something thrust upon us? This is explored through the contrasting journeys of Glinda and Elphaba. Glinda is celebrated for her outward perfection, while Elphaba is shunned as an outcast despite her intelligence and empathy.

The film’s vibrant musical numbers composed by Stephen Schwartz perfectly convey its themes. Grande sheds her pop star persona in “Popular,” embracing her Broadway roots with charm and infectious energy to portray Glinda’s shallow yet sincere belief that perfection equates to goodness.

Erivo stuns with a breathtaking rendition of “Defying Gravity,” capturing Elphaba’s unwavering determination to stand by her beliefs, even when she is vilified for doing so.

Beyond the dazzling performances, the film delivers sharp sociopolitical commentary, delving into the complexities of morality and intention, and exposing how propaganda and cult behavior can distort these nuances – a message strongly relevant in today’s volatile political climate.

Erivo and Grande shine in their roles, offering their flavors in their renditions while paying tribute to these iconic characters that have been played by several actresses before them.

Grande adds subtle layers to Glinda when we can see her internal conflicts, such as her unease at seeing an effigy of Elphaba at the start of the film or the tension she senses between Elphaba and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) moments before the former jumps on a train to Emerald City.

Erivo’s Elphaba, on the other hand, showcases a balance of resilience and vulnerability. Despite facing prejudice, she remains determined and idealistic, believing the Wizard can fix the problems in Oz.

Their performances are flawlessly executed, and their nominations should be shoo-ins for next year’s Oscars. It’s also worth noting that the leads chose to sing live while filming, taking their dedication to the next level.

The film pays homage to “The Wizard of Oz” with nods such as opening with Universal Pictures’ 1930s logo to reflect the film’s 1939 release, using Oz-inspired typography for the title cards, and increasing Dorothy Gale’s presence in the story with a brief cameo.

However, the darker cinematography in certain scenes feels at odds with the vibrant world of Oz. For a story set in such a colorful universe, a Technicolor-inspired palette would have better honored the legacy of “The Wizard of Oz” as one of the first films to showcase Hollywood’s use of color.

Fortunately, the film’s practical sets make up for it, offering a richly immersive Oz that feels grounded in an era of CGI-heavy productions. The film’s commitment to practical effects allows the audience to experience the world through Elphaba and Glinda’s eyes, creating an atmosphere that feels both magical and authentic. It’s no surprise that Chu was the right director for this adaptation thanks to his expertise, seamlessly blending Oz’s intricate world-building with spectacular musical numbers featuring elaborate choreography and powerful vocal performances.

OG fans of “Wicked” will also delight in the Easter eggs sprinkled throughout, from appearances by a few of the original Broadway cast members to the foreshadowing of songs set to feature in the second part.

Adapting a beloved musical for the big screen is always a challenge, but “Wicked” strikes the right balance between staying true to its theatrical roots and delivering an epic cinematic experience, all while weaving smart sociopolitical messaging through its catchy musical numbers.

Thanks to Chu’s thoughtful direction and the outstanding performances of its stars, this first chapter sets a high bar for next year’s Part Two, which is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2025. Four stars out of five.