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A life long cinephile from the Bay Area in Northern California. Aside from having written for various outlets since 2019, I've been podcasting since 2020.
(Currently Co-Hosting the Geekly Goods Roundup)
When I'm not indulged in a ridiculous amount of media consumption or losing track of days on my Nintendo Switch, I can be found at concerts or playing basketball.
The Wicked stage production has been captivating audiences for decades. From Broadway to London’s West End, the musical is adored by millions and has won countless major award accolades in the process. High expectations for the film adaptation are an understatement. Fortunately for fans, director Jon M. Chu successfully brings the epic stage play into the cinematic world with style and skill. From the very second we see the reflection of the witch hat and the flying monkeys burst out into the open air, Wicked: Part I is a fantastic spectacle to behold. It is cinematic storytelling of the highest order.
Unlimited Passion
Based on the 1995 novel of the same name, Wicked explores the origins of the witches first featured in the 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It’s notably a bit darker and more adult-oriented, but it’s a journey well worth visiting. Initially nameless in the original story, the “Wicked Witch of The West” here is Elphaba Thropp, portrayed masterfully by Cynthia Erivo. We dive into her humble beginnings that was first supposed to explain how her wickedness began. Poor Elphaba is frowned upon and made fun of from the very moment she was born unusually green. The deeper we go, however, the more we realize she is so much more than just a strange green anomaly. She is not evil at all and any sort of “wickedness” in her is because of how the world treats and perceives her.
Elphaba’s true strength is her heart of gold, which she displays constantly. Whether it’s caring for her disabled younger sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) or standing up for animal rights, she is constantly fighting battles on all fronts. Erivo shows impressive balance in showing her passion for others but also in moments of rage when appropriate. In addition to her emotional triumphs, Erivo also has an incredible vocal range that really brings the magic of composer Stephen Schwartz’s songs to life.
Immaculate Detail
The jaw-dropping visuals of the land of Oz comprise a character in and of itself. Brought to life by production designer Nathan Crowley and set decorator Lee Sandales, the numerous practical sets and set pieces are stunning and epic in scale. It’s impossible to ignore the love and care that went into each staircase and hallway. From the colorful flowers of Munchkinland to the very gears of the grand train that brings our main characters into the Emerald City, every single object pops off the screen.
This attention to detail naturally extends to the actors and their attire as well. From the intricate design of Nessarose’s wheelchair to the illustrious dresses of Madame Morrible (portrayed by Michelle Yeoh). Costume designer Paul Tazewell also did an outstanding job.
Enchanted Ensemble
While our main focus is on Cynthia Erivo’s star-making performance as Elphaba, she is also surrounded by a cast of talented and legendary performers, highlighted by pop music star Ariana Grande-Butera as Galinda / Glinda. Her natural charm and bubbly personality create a comedic effect that doesn’t feel forced. Glinda is naturally oblivious and self-absorbed, traits that become more endearing as her relationship with Elphaba grows. Grande-Butera’s vocals perfectly match the majesty of her character. They also pair nicely in the infectious duets that she shares with Erivo.
Contrasting our young witches are the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the Dean of Sorcery Madame Morrible played by Jeff Goldblum and Academy-Award winner Michelle Yeoh, respectively. Goldblum’s silky smooth voice and trademark swagger are perfect for the seemingly nice Wizard. Yeoh makes her limited screentime count with grace and gravitas in a role fit for a queen.
Gravity Defying Friendship
Despite the fantastical nature of the environment and the visual splendor, at its heart, Wicked is a story about friendship. This powerful friendship between Elphaba and Glinda initially began with a hatred, one that gets beautifully spelled out in the show-stopping “What is This Feeling?” duet.
Following unexpected acts of kindness for each other, the two witches are brought together after Elphaba is laughed at and ridiculed in front of the entire school. In this moment, Glinda finally sees through Elphaba’s green skin and feels the immense pain hidden underneath. Glinda reveals the goodness of her own heart and proudly stands with Elphaba in the most powerful scene in the entire film. They silently dance together in sorrow and harmony. Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera play this scene perfectly through the tears in their eyes and heartfelt gazes with each other. This sequence sets the tone for the rest of the story. Both the beauty and the power in their relationship show what can be accomplished together rather than apart.
Wonderfully Wicked & Grand
Director Jon M. Chu is now two-for-two in the musical department as far as I am concerned. He impressed with his excellent film adaptation of In The Heights, but with Wicked: Part I he has truly orchestrated a triumphant masterpiece! Chu and his film crew brought the whimsical enchantment of Oz and melded it excellently with Schwartz’s catchy and iconic anthems. The aforementioned cast shines from its leads to its lightest supporting roles, including the talents of Peter Dinklage (Dr. Dillamond) and Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero). Capturing the real-life horror of discrimination and the frustrating two-faced authority figures that try to manipulate us hits home hard as well.
As someone unfamiliar with the Broadway production, I was completely swept away by its fairy tale storytelling and absolute earworm melodies that stuck with me the second I heard them. My heart ached with Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba and I felt like was flying along with her in the very end. I’m floored by how much Wicked: Part I impacted me and moved me. It’s a truly resonating experience that I encourage everyone to witness firsthand.
5/5 stars
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A life long cinephile from the Bay Area in Northern California. Aside from having written for various outlets since 2019, I've been podcasting since 2020.
(Currently Co-Hosting the Geekly Goods Roundup)
When I'm not indulged in a ridiculous amount of media consumption or losing track of days on my Nintendo Switch, I can be found at concerts or playing basketball.
This article was edited by John Tangalin.