Wicked is the film adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film is a story of friendship and adventure. The exciting visuals and storytelling of this adaptation revive the story of the original musical.
Although two hours and 40 minutes long, the film covers only the first act of the play. Part Two is expected to be released next year covering act two. The separation of the musical into two parts allows the story to go into greater depth. Wicked was easy to follow and did not by any means move too slow.
Walking into the theater, I had very minimal knowledge of the storyline of Wicked, or even The Wizard of Oz (the film that inspired the original musical), but coming in blind had its perks.
Grande’s performance was unexpectedly very funny. I actually found myself laughing out loud several times throughout the movie. Glinda, Grande’s character, is in short, a spoiled brat. She is portrayed as very bubbly, obsessed with the color pink, and having a deep desire for popularity. Her tendencies to whip her hair over her shoulder or to be confused when not getting what she wants made her so funny.
Erivo’s performance in the movie exuded so much authenticity. She completely embodies Elphaba, going all the way to painting her actual skin green rather than using CGI for the movie. Erivo, whose background is in Broadway, plays Elphaba so well that one would forget she’s acting.
Unsurprisingly, the soundtrack is the highlight of the movie. Although I have never seen the original musical, I had heard the most popular songs such as Popular and Defying Gravity. Erivo and Grande’s performances gave justice to the Broadway originals. The two actresses have a chemistry that makes the performances so moving and entertaining.
The movie ends as does act two of the original musical. Elphaba has not yet become the Wicked Witch of the West nor has Glinda become the Good Witch. Elphaba flying off on her broom leaves you wanting more. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait a year to see how their stories end in this adaptation.
