This movie better change my life.
That was my initial thought prior to seeing the film. The enormous amount of tearful interviews, the hype around Ariana Grande, and the number of pink and green “Wicked” posters plastered across L.A. all constantly promoting the film made me hesitant to see if the film could really live up to every expectation posed by eager audiences. And to my surprise, it defied all my hesitancy and worries, blowing my expectations out of the water.
The highly anticipated Part One of the film adaptation of the original Broadway musical “Wicked,” directed by Jon M. Chu, came out on Nov. 22. In the same world as the family-favorite movie “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” focuses on the origin and background story of Elphaba Thropp, the Wicked Witch of the West (Cynthia Erivo). The film follows as Elphaba, a girl born with green skin, is cast out of her family and society, as she struggles to control her magical powers. Once she arrives at Shiz University to say goodbye to her younger sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode), she catches the attention of surrounding university students, most notably Glinda Upland (Ariana Grande), also known as Glinda the Good in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Immediately, audiences see tension between Glinda and Elphaba because of their opposite personalities and contrasting opinions on every topic under the sky. Elphaba additionally catches the eye of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), the legendary headmistress of Shiz University, for her powerful capabilities who offers Elphaba a place at Shiz and the opportunity to train her powers under Madam Morrible’s guidance. Eventually, Glinda and Elphaba are forced to be roommates and their struggles in power dynamics play out throughout the film. As the two and a half hour film progresses, audiences see the change from enemies to best friends, portrayed beautifully by Erivo and Grande.
Having seen a broadway performance of “Wicked” when I was younger, I can say with passion that I’m so glad Chu decided against putting new songs into the adaptation. The soundtrack for the movie is the same as the first act of the broadway show, since the film is split into two parts where intermission would’ve been. As the old saying goes…“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I’ve definitely annoyed my whole family for constantly singing “Defying Gravity” and “What is this Feeling?” on repeat since I saw the film. Another aspect of the musical score that really elevated the film was the live singing. Every actor in the film was singing live in the scenes, and I don’t think people understand how impressive and amazing that is. Erivo was rotating and flipping in circles as she’s flying in a mechanical contraption during the “Defying Gravity” scene all while belting audibly perfect notes. Now that’s authentic.
I will say I’m not the biggest fan of splitting the movie into two parts, especially since the second part comes out in a year. I mean who wants a year long intermission to figure out what happens next? I certainly don’t. Yet I would much rather have two, thoughtfully planned out movies than a sped up film that rushed over the most important details.
I believe the one unifying aspect of the film was Grande and Erivo’s undeniable chemistry. Yes, they both had individually great performances for their characters. Erivo’s immediate complete embodiment of Elphaba was breathtaking– from the nuanced facial expressions of having to act okay with being stared at and outcasted, to the insane amount of emotion portrayed through songs like “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity.” And Grande’s performance was no less exceptional. Despite having bounds of pressure on her shoulders to take care of Glinda as a character, she did not disappoint. Grande’s performance of Glinda’s personality, idolized as someone perfect and good, was great. Yet, what was astonishing was Grande’s ability to showcase her hidden mean – almost wicked– actions, which was essential for the audience in seeing Glinda’s character arc in the latter half of the film.
Their chemistry together was immaculate. The connection in the press interviews they’ve done for the film were just a small glimpse into what they truly brought in the film. I honestly would see their constant crying and just think to myself, how could this film be that good that they are moved to tears everytime they talk about it? But I see why because they really devoted all they had to the film– and it was visible. Grande and Erivo both grew up in the Broadway scene and have shown a deep, immense love for the theatre and “Wicked” specifically. Putting Elphaba and Glinda in the hands of two theatre lovers who really understand the weight of “Wicked” once again elevated the film to fulfill every expectation. They really did take care of their characters. Erivo made the audience fall in love with a character only previously known as a villain. Grande made the audience fall in love with an unseen side of Glinda. And overall, Chu made that perfect executive choice to cast Grande and Erivo to have the audience fall in love with them.
Additionally, the supporting characters did no less in pulling their weight for the film. I didn’t know what to expect with Jonathan Bailey playing Fiyero Tigelaar, a prince who is Glinda’s love interest. However, as he’s dancing and singing “Dancing through Life” across my screen, I wasn’t at all mad at it. Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz matched his personality and energy perfectly and the casting choice just made great sense. Ethan Slater as Boq was another great casting choice, yet I could definitely see his Spongebob background popping through his portrayal.
Another aspect that really stuck out was the cinematography and choreography in the film. The choreography was anything but random or out of place, in fact I would say Wayne Cilento (choreographer) did an immaculate job of creating addicting and thrilling choreography that has people making TikToks left and right. The color contrasts of pink and green were used effectively and strategically throughout all the set design. The opening camera work of slowly panning over to Elphaba’s iconic, pointy, black hat and revealing it through a puddle was immediately immersing to see. The sharp camera switches during “Defying Gravity” added even more drama and impact as well. Overall, it was a beautiful moving piece of art with every detail thought out.
Lastly, I wanted to point out how the film’s final scene, “Defying Gravity,” was absolute perfection. To the song’s dramatic pauses, Erivo’s astonishing singing belts, the acting, the build up, the tears– the ending scene really made the movie. I have zero notes for that scene.
All in all, I have one thing I would like to say to director Jon M. Chu: Congratulations on truly doing the broadway musical justice.
