Wicked review: Cynthia Erivo-Ariana Grande cast spell in near-perfect adaptation

Directed by Jon M Chu's Wicked is a musical fantasy film featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film is an adaptation of the stage musical of the same name.

In Short

• Wicked will release in theatres in India on November 22
• Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande win you over with their exceptional performances
• Wicked is the first of a two-part adaptation of the stage musical of the same name

The highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, Wicked, offers a magical cinematic experience. Directed by Jon M Chu, known for his visually stunning projects such as Step Up and Crazy Rich Asians, Wicked seamlessly blends its fantasy roots with musical storytelling, enhanced by stellar performances and breathtaking visuals.

Wicked reimagines the iconic world of The Wizard of Oz through the perspectives of two unlikely friends: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the misunderstood green-skinned girl who ultimately embraces the title of Wicked Witch, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), the popular and seemingly perfect Good Witch. The narrative explores their complex relationship, beginning with their school days at Shiz University. It delves into themes of friendship, power, greed, and love. The film chronicles their journey, which leads them to opposing sides in a conflict between the Wizard and the Land of Oz.

Ariana and Cynthia shine as the leads, harmonising beautifully to portray the dichotomy of good and evil. Ariana brings a playful, almost Mean Barbie energy to Glinda, fully embodying her character with effortless charm. She dances and twirls like a dream. Her comedic timing and vocal prowess are particularly impressive in numbers like Popular.

Here's the trailer:

In contrast, Cynthia captures Elphaba's emotional depth, hitting all the right notes - both musically and emotionally. Drawing from her Broadway experience, she hits the musical highs with precision and makes you choke more than once with her magnetic performance. She conveys both vulnerability and defiance, excelling in emotional depth while showcasing her powerhouse vocals.

Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), renowned for his role in Bridgerton, brings charisma and warmth to his performance. His chemistry with Cynthia is both flirtatious and authentic, making their scenes a pure joy to watch. His dancing and carefree energy illuminate the screen. Michelle Yeoh's nuanced portrayal enhances the narrative, and her commanding presence grounds pivotal scenes.

One of the standout scenes from the movie takes place at the Oz Ball, which serves as the emotional core of the film. In this scene, Glinda (Ariana) and Elphaba (Cynthia) reach a breaking point in their rivalry, teetering on the edge of understanding and hinting at the complexities of their friendship.

The film immerses you in the land of Oz with its stunning visuals and cinematography, complemented by a carefully composed tracklist that enhances each mood. The standout songs - I’m Not That Girl, Popular, and Defying Gravity - are emotionally resonant and expertly performed. The visuals and choreography are breathtaking. However, trimming a song or two could have tightened the runtime. With his experience of creating visually dynamic films, Chu seamlessly integrates music, dance, and fantasy.

The first half flows effortlessly, captivating viewers with its pace and emotional depth. Although the second half is slightly longer than necessary, it does not significantly detract from the overall experience.

With its perfect blend of fantasy, emotion, and music, Wicked is a triumph. It captures the essence of the original stage production while making it a novel experience for cinema.

Prepare for tears, laughter, and pure enchantment as Wicked casts its spell on the big screen.

Wicked will run in theatres in India from November 22, 2024.

4 out of 5 stars for Wicked.