Nearly two decades after the Broadway sensation captured hearts worldwide, Wicked: Part One casts its spell on the big screen. Reimagining the Land of Oz with breathtaking visuals, unforgettable music, and an emotional depth that’s sure to resonate with audiences old and new. But does this long-awaited adaptation live up to the magic of the original?
Set before Dorothy’s iconic journey down the Yellow Brick Road, Wicked: Part One explores the untold story of two unlikely friends: Elphaba, the misunderstood and ambitious green-skinned witch, and Glinda, the bubbly and politically savvy good witch. The film dives into themes of identity, prejudice, and the moral complexities of power as the two young women navigate their destinies in Oz. The plot is beautifully layered, offering more than a glimpse of the characters’ backstories and a deeper look at how their choices shape the magical world fans thought they knew. While some might find the decision to split the story into two parts frustrating, it allows for a slower, more nuanced development of these iconic characters.
The leads are both fantastic singers who are sure to be captivating on screen:Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. My personal favorite part of this movie was Cynthia Ervio’s rendition of Defying Gravity, which soars as both a musical and emotional centerpiece. The supporting cast, including Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, adds layers of intrigue and charm, grounding the fantastical elements of the story.
From a visual perspective the movie exceeded expectations on every front. The vibrant world of Oz is a visual feast, with meticulous attention to detail in everything from the Emerald City’s grandeur to the flying monkeys’ eerie designs. For me, the costumes were extremely appealing and unique with a great use of color. The contrast between pink and green has become my favorite color combo since seeing the movie.
My final verdict on the Wicked: Part One is a 4.5/5 stars because at 2 hours and 45 min the movie was a little too long for me but every scene adds to the overall enjoyment of the movie.
