The Broadway musical is an entire spectacle of its own. Since its adapted debut over 20 years ago, Wicked transformed the entire theater world with all of its Oz-ian magic. Spawning from a line of many other adaptations of The Wizard of Oz, this version truly gripped audiences with its intriguing concept. It presents a backstory about the two powerful Witches that guide Dorothy and her gang down the yellow brick road. Yet, with each step they take, they inevitably embody the roles Oz places upon them. With amazingly composed music numbers and cast, most notably Frozen‘s Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth, Wicked proved itself as a theatrical phenomenon.
So, when a film adaptation was first mentioned, many doubted that this could actually work. Given the seven-year long process, which included its date being shifted due to Cats, it faced its inevitable hardships. However, now that it’s here, this 2024 adaptation from In The Heights‘s Jon M. Chu has truly defied the gravity of everyone’s odds.
As with all film adaptations of live musicals or plays, one can expect some elements to be elevated. That’s already clear from the first opening moments, with this grand celebration of Elphaba’s demise. The CGI effects beautifully blend in with the practical sets, with sweeping shots of, jabberwockies, Emerald City, and more being sights to behold. Fortunately, this is only a taste of what’s to come as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo share the spotlight.
From a character standpoint, it does feel like Elphaba and Glinda’s (also GA-linda) personalities are more emphasized. When the film steps into the past, Grande really increases the amount of narcissism Glinda has in the beginning. Where Glinda was somewhat ignorant about being Shiz University’s main attraction in the musical, she recognizes that clearly here. Grande is able to feign this by incorporating a comedic sense that wonderfully captures Glinda’s poppy flair. From a simple hair-twist to a dress turn or more, Glinda is a lot more expressive in the film itself. Plus, she’s got some cronies played by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James, who add their own humor with snarky tidbits.
Elphaba is also more stern, if emotionally suppressive, than she is in the live musical thanks to Erivo. Initially, this doesn’t seem like the case as Elphaba introduces herself to the rest of her class. However, as she slowly realizes her emotional connection to her magic, Erivo’s performance fully encompasses the pain Elphaba holds. She wants to be a good sister to Nessarose (Marissa Bode), yet even she gets rejected by her in the end. All of these things really show in the chemistry she shares with Grande’s Glinda, which is charmingly formed.
Grande and Erivo bounce off each other very naturally even with all the Oz-ness in their dialogue. Even though their personalities contrast, they’re able to show they care for each other. This is especially so in the Ozdust Ball, which takes more time than the musical, and beyond the second act. Their performances, plus the cinematographic direction and the backing orchestral motifs, really capture that amazing connection. Of course, “Popular” goes to show all the fun the two had together with its energetic montages.
With its side characters, they get some slight changes that mostly stay true to their live musical versions. For the most part, Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) is still the pretty confidante he is to both Elphaba and Glinda. However, he still goes through that metamorphosis of being empathetic and understanding like he does in the musical’s first act. Although, the film does fill in some holes as to why he’s like this as part of the film’s new additions.
Boq (Ethan Slater) and Nessarose’s relationship is pretty much the same once Glinda sets both of them up. Boq is especially a little less nervous than he is in the musical, but he still retains the hesitancy he has with Nessarose even by the second act. As for Nessarose, she’s still distant from dealing with Elphaba’s “help”, but is also somewhat sympathetic to side with. She’s going through a lot, but she’s trying to make the most of it!
Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) is more callous in a funny way with Glinda, especially in the first act as she dismisses her pestering. Even when she appears later in the film, she still has this suspicion for Glinda’s potental. Yet, her expressionisms with Elphaba confidently encapsulates her masked malice with that touch of sympathy thanks to Yeoh. For a surprise, the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) is less playful than the musical version, but more menacing with his attitude. Even though we get the Wizard for a small time, he’s still meticulously intimidating in the final act. Both of these roles work to a dime even in the little bits they do appear.
Yes, there are some specific changes that Wicked does make it stand out from the musical. For one, there are certain cinematographic choices, like with the Ozdust Ball. That entire sequence perfectly emphasizes the developing bond that Elphaba and Glinda share and it’s those little motions that capture those emotions. It also explores more of Elphaba’s childhood in the first act, which helps to contextualize her character even more. There’s also a bit more emphasis on the Wizard’s backstory, which includes some very special cameos when they sing “One Short Day”.
As for the songs themselves, they feel more emotionally orchestral and powerful with Grande and Erivo’s performances. Of course, “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” would be the ones that stand out due to their popularity. Those two songs are incredibly iconic and are truly composed with much respect. Luckily, even the ensemble pieces like “Dancing Through Life” and “No One Mourns the Wicked” have some exquisite choreography to back themselves. Every song is exciting on its own and when they all come together, they work in tandem with each other.
As a first-parter, Wicked proudly defies expectations as a near pitch-perfect adaptation of the Broadway musical. While there’s still room to explore the side characters, there’s always Act Two to cover that ground. Nonetheless, since this is an adaptation, Wicked not only remains faithful to the original work, but also elevates its more thematic aspects. With one more act to go, this film will certainly leave Broadway lovers wanting more for good.
Wicked releases in theaters on November 22.
