The friendship of Elphaba and Glinda anchors the film, but it’s only half the story.
By Dana Barbuto/Boston Movie News

“It’s not easy being green,” as Kermit the Frog famously lamented, and in “Wicked,” the trials of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, bring that sentiment to cinematic life. Director Jon M. Chu’s long-awaited film adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon captures the visual splendor of Oz. However, it doesn’t entirely replicate the emotional power of stage production, which has been a cultural phenomenon since the curtain rose in 2003. 

Chu, who previously helmed “In the Heights,” trades the streets of Washington Heights for the Yellow Brick Road, proving once again that he is one of few modern directors who understands the intricacies of a movie musical. Working from a screenplay by Winnie Holzman, the musical’s original book writer, Chu stays faithful (almost too allegiant) to the source material and its themes of friendship, social justice, and the consequences of power. At two-and-a-half hours, it mirrors the runtime of the complete stage production but delivers only half the story—despite an opening voiceover saying, “Let me tell you the whole story.”  The decision to end mid-story—just as Elphaba soars into the iconic “Defying Gravity”—feels like a commercial calculation (read: cash grab) rather than an artistic one. 

Based on Concord author Gregory Maguire’s novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” the narrative is a “Wizard of Oz” origin story about how Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the misunderstood green-skinned witch, breaks bad. This first installment of the film chronicles her formative years at the Hogwarts-like Shiz University, her unlikely friendship with the bubbly Glinda (Ariana Grande), and her growing disillusionment with the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), culminating in her transformation into the evil witch.  

Erivo’s Elphaba is a powerhouse of vulnerability and defiance, bringing gravity, literally, to the character’s evolution from ostracized idealist to defiant outcast. Her renditions of “The Wizard and I” and “I’m Not That Girl” are poignant highlights, and I would love to see her soaring “Defying Gravity” on the stage. The Grande-Erivo duet “What Is This Feeling?” brims with comedic tension, and “Popular” showcases Grande’s impeccable vocals and timing. Her Glinda, a confection of blonde waves, pink gowns, and sparkling charm, offers lighthearted laughs, and her command of the Ozian language with words like “scandalacious” and “moodified” is commendable. 

The fantastical worlds of Munchkinland, Shiz, and the Emerald City are realized through Nathan Crowley’s (Christopher Nolan’s go-to guy) lush production design, evoking both wonder and unease and Paul Tazewell’s (“Hamilton”) costumes; he created over 1,000 designs that shimmer with whimsy and menace. However, the visual splendor cannot entirely mask the narrative weaknesses that seem glaring on the screen but less so on the stage. Chu favors razzle-dazzle over narrative, and the movie struggles in spots to balance the sprawling dance numbers and the story’s emotional beats. I can’t say I blame him when Grande and Ervivo make such a powerful one-two punch. Strip away the songs, and “Wicked” is a story that tackles many big subjects: friendship, acceptance, propaganda, and authoritarianism. Those are weighty issues to melt into a cohesive narrative, and the tonal shifts feel jarring. 

The supporting cast lends texture to the ensemble. Michelle Yeoh exudes quiet menace as Madame Morrible, though her presence feels underused. Marissa Bode (Nessarose), Ethan Slater (Boq), and Peter Dinklage (Doctor Dillamond) enrich the world of Shiz, while “Bridgerton” hunk Jonathan Bailey steals hearts as the dashing Prince Fiyero.

Chu and his ensemble keep the heart of the familiar story intact, and that’s probably enough for its built-in audience.  The bond between Elphaba and Glinda, frenemies turned BFFs, resonates deeply. The political undertones of the Wizard’s regime, manipulating fear to maintain control, are eerily relevant and lend weight to the story’s fantastical trappings. Like any good prequel, ‘‘Wicked’’ foreshadows plot twists and turns.  When Madame Morrible quips, “Oh dear, you mustn’t get wet,” the line slyly foreshadows Elphaba’s eventual fate.

Whether it’s half a movie or the full run, the defining moment of both stage and screen remains “Defying Gravity,” with Erivo’s searing performance marking Elphaba’s transformation. Unfortunately, part one ends here, cutting off the story’s full emotional impact. A second film will complete the picture in November 2025. Both parts of “Wicked” were filmed simultaneously, and all the stars from the first film will return in the sequel. Despite minor annoyances, “Wicked” reminds us of the enduring power of its tale: that appearances can deceive, that friendship can transform, and that even in a world quick to judge, there’s a bit of green in all of us.

‘Wicked’

Rating: PG for some scary action, thematic material, and brief suggestive material.

Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey

Director: Jon M. Chu

Writer: Winnie Holzman

Running time: 160 minutes

Where to watch: In theaters everywhere on Nov. 22. Sing-along presentations will arrive in select theaters on Christmas day.

Grade: B