Wicked Review: A Whimsical Magic Tale of Two Opposite Witches

Two ‘Wicked’ Witches – One Good, One Bad

Singing powerhouses, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are well cast for this musical adaptation. Gregory Maguire penned the prequel story of Glinda and Elphaba back in 1995 and in 2003 saw the introduction of Wicked to the world of theatre, premiering in London’s West End. Since then, the 2024 musical adaptation has broken box-office records grossing $525 million globally. But that’s only the first half of the story, the second half of the good and bad witches’ stories comes in ‘Part Two’, released a whole year after ‘Part One.’

Ariana Grande plays Glinda and Cynthia Erivo plays Elphaba, and we’re finally seeing the original story behind the witches that are being pitted against each other and original sub-characters of The Wizard of Oz. Undoubtedly, there’s a lot of history between the two polar opposites having shared classes and campuses together at Shiz University. We meet their fellow students, parents, teachers and supporting characters including SNL alum, Bowen Yang. The two polar opposite witches’ stories really begin as a frenemy’s tale.

Thoughts

Wicked is enjoyable for both its loyal fanbase and newcomers. And if you’re like me and have not seen it’s theatre production this movie adaptation will be your introduction to the origin stories of Glinda and Elphaba. But the biggest question Wicked leaves looming is – did the musical need to be split into two parts? Scenes were fairly dragged out and particularly had the feeling that not much was happening up until the film’s midpoint.

Wicked wasn’t really thrilling until nearing its end. Although, it did tell the story of how Glinda was never really the original ‘good witch’. She plays a Regina George mean girl leader who also happens to have an all-pink wardrobe. Yet outcast, Elphaba is being bullied for her green skin and dark wardrobe. But her talent really speaks for itself, being the most talented student at Shiz University would make any of the other students ‘green with envy.’ Elphaba is our protagonist as we follow her path to the Emerald City facing her few friends and many foes along the way. It’s the right way to give Elphaba’s story justice as someone who was never bad to begin with but ferociously misunderstood.

However, Wicked’s musical numbers fall short and are not as memorable as its classic and ‘mother’ from the same universe, Wizard of Oz. The ground-breaking 1939 musical hit many milestones in the film industry. But its musical numbers such as, ‘Over the Rainbow‘, ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road‘ and ‘We’re Off to See the Wizard‘ among many others power over Wicked’s soundtrack. ‘Popular’ and ‘Defying Gravity‘ being the worthy standouts among the other not-so-memorable songs.

Musical Numbers

Wicked is further put to shame by the noughties trilogy, High School Musical, which had a consistently fantastic soundtrack lasting throughout three movies – each one making memories for its audience. There’s not one song that isn’t memorable. Yet Wicked overused its soundtrack so much it felt like there was barely any dialogue. The musical adaptation has 19 songs in Part One alone. You can’t help but think many of the songs were being used to fill time until the next scene rolls.

The best takeaway from Wicked is the beautiful and complex wardrobe, designed by American costume designer, Paul Tazewell. Creating nearly 50 different looks for the film, spanning from Glinda’s bubble-gum pink ballgown to Elphaba’s lacy witches dress. As well as the Wizard’s powerful green suit and Madame Morrible’s sparkly emerald suit dress. The outfits are so iconic, Mattel even made them into doll replica versions too.

However, the most underrated and underused character in Wicked is Dr. Dillamond (played by Peter Dinklage). The goat professor who works at Shiz University seemed the most empathetic and ‘GOAT’ character of the film. His story as a sub-plot was much more captivating than the main story between Glinda and Elphaba. What happens to the animal professors at Shiz will be revealed in Part Two. His story and those of the other professors will be something to look forward to, perhaps the most. Although, it’s unfortunate Dr. Dillamond’s story is cut short not even near halfway through the film.

Wicked‘s Leading Stars

Villains of the Emerald City, the Wizard of Oz (played by Jeff Goldblum) and head of Shiz University, Madame Morrible (played by Michelle Yeoh) were the standouts among the cast. Jeff Goldblum really dazzles on screen, lit up in emerald-green, he plays a charming yet dangerous powerful character who has plans much more toxic than anyone could dream. Also gifted in playing the villain is Michelle Yeoh who creates a scheming no-good headmistress simply out there to take advantage of Elphaba’s magical talents.

British heart-throb from Bridgerton fame, Jonathan Bailey excels as the sweet and kind-hearted, Prince Fiyero who is rather torn between his adoration for Glinda and his fascination for Elphaba. He brings a whimsical charm to the screen that Wicked needed. From his ‘prince charming’ meeting with Elphaba deep in the dark woods to his toe-tapping musical library dance number.

Blossoming ‘Wicked’ Whimsical Romances

Real-life couple, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater also share time on-screen. Ethan Slater plays Boq, who is whisked away by Glinda’s beautiful looks and personality. But Glinda’s heart is taken by Fiyero who may or may not return her interest as he becomes increasingly fascinated by Elphaba’s enticing aura.

But another sub-plot which serves the story well is the blossoming romance between Boq and Nessarose (played by Marissa Bode). Elphaba’s younger sister gets her own romance story but it’s not at all what it seems to be at first. Boq only has eyes for Glinda and asks Nessarose to the dance just to make her jealous. How this dynamic plays out will likely be weaved into Glinda’s story somehow. Even if she really isn’t too bothered about Boq. However, how Glinda turns good and Elphaba turns bad will be the biggest reveal in Part Two.

Wicked: For Good is set to be released in cinemas, November 2025.

Read about ‘Glicked’ – Wicked and Gladiator II news here.