Wicked review: Cynthia Erivo-Ariana Grande cast spells in near-perfect match

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

Wicked recreates 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 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 tells of their journey, which takes them to opposite sides of a conflict between the Wizard and the Land of Oz.

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

Here is the trailer:

In contrast, Cynthia captures Elphaba’s emotional depth and hits all the right notes – both musically and emotionally. Drawing on her Broadway experience, she hits the musical high points with precision and will have you choked up more than once with her magnetic performance. She conveys both vulnerability and defiance, excelling in emotional depth while showcasing her powerful vocals.

Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), known 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 lights up the screen. Michelle Yeoh’s nuanced portrayal enhances the narrative, and her commanding presence grounds key scenes.

One of the standout scenes from the film takes place at the Oz Ball, which serves as the film’s emotional core. 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 track list that enhances every 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. Trimming a song or two could have tightened the playing time, though. With his experience creating visually dynamic films, Chu seamlessly integrates music, dance and fantasy.

The first half flows effortlessly and captivates viewers with its pace and emotional depth. Although the second half is a bit 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 and makes it a new experience for the cinema.

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

Wicked will hit theaters in India from November 22, 2024.

4 out of 5 stars for Wicked.