Review: Wicked, Part 1

Source: Wicked (2024) - IMDb

Good News! She's back!!! 

Yeah, I was not intending to not write since the Summer, but life has caught up with me. Some not so great, not going to lie - but also some really really good. I haven't been completely dead theatrically. I am still volunteering at the Lowry on occasion, and had some amazing shifts covering Bluey, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake (WOW!) and even some flamenco dancing to name a few. On the non-working side, I managed to catch Burlesque at the Opera House and War Horse at the Lowry (both as a guest and a shift worker), and you can look at my thoughts for both on my Instagram. 

But let's move on from life, and talk about the main event. The one that picked me up from my writing slump. The one every single theatre nerd has been waiting for for years. And, who 99.9% have agreed has been worth the wait. 

Wicked has finally come to the big screen: well, Act 1 has at least

Just to be clear, Wicked has been split into two films, with Part (or Act) 2 being shown this time next year. And upon hearing that, we likely all thought the same thing: Oh Lord, why? They did Les Mis in one film, why are they doing this? Are they stuffing loads in for the sake of it? 

At 2:40 hours, Wicked may seem long, but it doesn't feel it at all. Amazingly, there's not too much that has been added into the story, and none of it feels like unnecessary filler. To be put simply, it warrants that running time. 

Before we go any further, just know that it has been a few days since I saw the film, and it is a good sign, I think, that I really have taken the time to try and reflect on what I saw. Not only because I am still in a little disbelief that it's out there (to quote Elphaba herself, "Did that really just happen?"), but also because I was enjoying the film end of. I didn't have my analytical or critical parts of my brain switched on at all. It's been nice to not to worry about that until later. 

Source: Wicked (2024) - IMDb

However, you may have no clue what Wicked is all about, and have stumbled upon this out of the blue: in that case, let me try and fill you in as best as I can. Wicked works as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, telling the story behind The Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) and The Good Witch (Glinda), who become unlikely friends at university.  It tells just how they come from initially hating each other, to being best friends, to their fates outlined in The Wizard of Oz. It is one of the biggest musical theatre juggernauts on the planet and the film version has been in development for years. If you wish to know more about the stage version, click here.  And do not worry, this is a spoiler free review. 

Source: Wicked (2024) - IMDb

This adaptation has been directed by John M Chu. Just like he did with the film adaptation of Lin Manuel-Miranda's In The Heights, Chu has given Wicked the respect it deserves. That's for fans of the musical and for fans of the Wizard of Oz; this, more than any other "version" of Oz, feels like the Oz we know best, that of the MGM 1939 classic. I wasn't even thinking of all the Easter Eggs either (not just on screen but also in the score). What is even more remarkable, or perhaps magical in this case, is that Chu did not rely on CGI and instead built the large sets: Munchkinland, Shiz University, the Emerald City - they are all physical sets. It makes the cinematography simply stunning. 

As well as never looking better, Oz has never sounded better, with Stephen Schwartz's score booming grandly over the speakers. Particularly with a cast like the one they have assembled. 

Source: Wicked (2024) - IMDb

Leading as the two witches are Tony winner Cynthia Erivo, and former Broadway baby Ariana Grande. Anyone who has heard Erivo blast out The Color Purple's I'm Here knew she was going to vocally rip Elphaba's riffs, but she completely embodied her character too. 

What impressed me was the subtlety in her softer and more vulnerable moments, and her strength being fierce but also quiet, particularly towards the end of the film when pieces start to fall into place. With the medium of cinema, she's a much more subtle Elphaba than those I've seen on stage, being more sarcastic and dry than brash bull in a China shop. She feels fresh, and yet familiar and respectful to all the amazing women who have played the green witch before. And to add to it, she does all her own stunts in the film all while singing live, during the big number Defying Gravity. She is perfectly cast. 

Source: Wicked (2024) - IMDb

When Grande was cast I have to admit my thoughts were: Ok? I knew she could sing. I knew she had theatrical experience. I knew she adored Wicked. But the last musical project she was cast in was Hairspray Live, which she was definitely miscast for. So it turned to, Ok, let's see how it goes. However, she has also blown me away. 

Another concern fans had was that she would be playing Ariana Grande playing Glinda - allow me to say no, she plays Glinda. Vocally, you can tell she's worked on her diction, she's clear as a bell, her soprano range is ridiculous! She also captured the silly and slightly bitchy side to Glinda down incredibly well. I look forward to seeing how she takes the meat of Glinda's journey in part 2. 

One person I knew was going to kill it, and yes I was right, was Olivier winner Jonathan Bailey (Company), who was playing the shallow and self-absorbed Fiyero. He oozed charm, danced like a dream, and again, I look forward to see him come into his own in the second half. No spoilers as such, but the clue is that Fiyero and Anthony Bridgerton would get on well, I think. 

Source: Wicked (2024) - IMDb

Jeff Goldblum's Wizard was similarly charming, his ego as inflated as his balloon. And while Michelle Yeoh has the weakest singing voice in the cast, her Madame Morrible had a stylish presence. She radiating power, she was smart, and, at times, eery. Another great casting choice. 

The final one I'd like to mention who you don't see as such, but you do hear, is the unmistakeable voice of Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond, the goat professor Elphaba bonds with. There's not many scenes in which he features, but Dinklage, as he does to every role he plays, brings so much depth, lacing Dillamond with wisdom as well as fear for the state of animals in Oz. 

Wicked features so many touches of magic; and it feels like real magic, not something from The-Man-Behind-The-Curtain

There are so many touches littered throughout to satisfy fans, but also plenty of newcomers to enjoy. I went along with a friend who hadn't seen Wicked before and she was similarly spellbound. Wicked is one of the best times in the cinema you will have. It is definitely worth the time and money to see it on the big screen.