“Wicked”, released on Nov. 22, 2024, is a cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, directed by Jon M. Chu. The film delves into the origins of Elphaba and Glinda, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, respectively, exploring their complex relationship and the events that lead to Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West.
When it was first revealed that Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo was cast as Elphaba and pop star Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda, many were thrown off, and even skeptical of how the film would turn out. However, the casting proved to be phenomenal, and I thought both did an amazing job. Both actresses portrayed their characters emotions perfectly, allowing the audience to feel emotionally connected to the story.
Given that this is only “Wicked: Part 1”, the movie’s run time being 2 hours and 40 minutes seems a bit excessive, as the entire Broadway version of Wicked is 2 hours and 45 minutes with a fifteen-minute intermission.
Rightfully so, the length would lead one to suspect that the plot is unnecessarily dragged out. Nonetheless, when the movie begins, it is understood why the runtime is that long. As the story unravels, the slow pace of the film allows the audience to truly understand Elphaba’s backstory, creating a richer connection to her character, while also soaking in the theme of an unlikely friendship represented by Elphaba and Glinda.
One of the most difficult kinds of film to create successfully is a musical. Although, Chu and his team managed to achieve this remarkable work. A significant number of the musical performances were done live while filming, enabling the actors to deliver an authentic and magical portrayal.
Moreover, there were a few scenes in the film that differed from the Broadway show, but this did not dim its light. For example, the sequence where the two witches arrive in the Emerald City. During the performance of “One Short Day” the audience gets a little more background on the Wizard’s rise to power.
Overall, this film adaptation is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that brings the magic of the stage musical to the big screen. The powerful performances and captivating musical numbers make it a must-watch for already fans and newcomers.
