“Wicked” follows a misunderstood woman named Elphaba, who forges an unlikely friendship with Glinda. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.
A World That Pulls You In
While I’m not necessarily familiar with the world of “Wicked,” it absolutely enthralled me. From the start, the film pulls you into its larger-than-life setting with visuals that feel both outlandish and immersive. There’s a real sense of scale here, but it never loses sight of the characters at the center of it all. That balance is what makes the experience work so well.
The musical numbers are energetic and consistently engaging, adding momentum rather than slowing things down. Even for someone coming in without prior attachment to the story, everything feels accessible. The film does a great job of introducing its world without overwhelming you, while still giving enough depth to make it feel lived-in. It’s easy to get swept up in it, especially as the emotional core starts to take shape.
Performances That Elevate Everything
What really makes “Wicked” stand out, though, is its performances. Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda are both outstanding, bringing a ton of personality and depth to their roles.
Erivo was the clear highlight. She brings a level of emotional weight to Elphaba that makes the character fully realized. Whether it’s through quieter moments or the more powerful musical sequences, she sells every part of that complexity. Grande, on the other hand, plays a very different role, leaning more into charm and comedy. She handles the musical numbers with ease and delivers a lot of the film’s lighter moments without feeling out of place.
Together, they create a dynamic that carries the film. Their chemistry makes the relationship feel authentic, which is crucial for a story like this. Without that, a lot of the emotional beats wouldn’t land the same way – but here, it all clicks.
A Complete Experience… Mostly
At 160 minutes long, I was definitely a bit nervous going into “Wicked.” That’s a hefty runtime, especially for a musical. But surprisingly, it’s just right. The pacing is excellent, and the film never drags. Every scene feels intentional, with a clear purpose driving it forward.
My only real issue is that this is essentially “Wicked: Part I.” While the film does work as its own experience, there are a few plot threads that are left open-ended, and you don’t get full closure by the end. It’s not enough to ruin anything, but it is noticeable. There’s a sense that you’re only getting part of the full story, which might be frustrating depending on what you’re expecting.
Still, “Wicked” is a beautiful, charismatic and engaging journey – from beginning to… middle. Even without the complete picture, it fully pulled me into its world, made me laugh and hit some genuinely emotional notes along the way.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
