A larger-than-life adaptation that is nothing short of magical
Something has changed within me. Something is not the same. These iconic words from Defying Gravity — the famed song of the Broadway musical Wicked — feel particularly relevant as I write this review for Jon M. Chu’s movie adaptation of the play.
Wicked: Part 1 brings back the magic of the original musical on the big screen and in a larger-than-life way. The original story and the songs continue to charm but the entire production is infused with freshness and is bursting at the seams with new energy. And I did not see this coming.
In fact, I expected the opposite. Clocking in at two hours and forty minutes, Wicked: Part 1 is about ten minutes longer than its source material and tells only half the story. It’s a long time to spend with a story, only to wait a whole year to learn how it ends. It’s an even higher risk for the many people who are already familiar with the musical and won’t have much reason to stick around that long.
So, I went in hoping that it wasn’t the absolute drag I thought it was going to be. I’ve never been happier to be wrong. This first instalment of the film is simply magical. From the very first song, the movie draws you into the world of Oz and keeps you there, captivated by the story of two unlikely friends.
The emotional beats of the story hit stronger than ever, the visuals are mesmerizing, and if all the songs don’t charm you, the dance sequences definitely will. Not a moment feels wasted and you don’t quite realise how long the film is simply because of how fun it is.
There are so many different elements that work together to make this happen. Cynthia Erivo is amazing as Elphaba, bringing her rage and sense of justice to life. Ariana Grande absolutely embodies the glitzy but warmhearted Glinda, right down to her hair flourishes.
They both bring together deliciously opposing energies which makes for such good chemistry. Their duets are easily some of the most entertaining songs of the film and the fact that the actresses sang the songs live while shooting definitely shows. All in all, it’s simply a delight to watch the two go from enemies to friends.
The rest of the cast also shines. Jonathan Bailey makes for a very charming Fiyero who has a spark with both leading women. Michelle Yeoh has a commanding presence as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum is perfectly whimsical as the Wizard. And around this fabulous cast, the world of Oz itself comes alive.
Shiz University has a historical vibe and the emerald city is a cluster of shining towers. These set designs look and feel real, paying off on the decision to use physical, constructed sets as much as possible. Every location has its unique personality — whether it is Glinda’s numerous luggage cases that pop open at a touch or the university’s library which features circular, rotating bookshelves.
All these elements fit together to make a larger whole. The set designs complement the dance choreographies and the music as much as they make Oz a vibrant location — as demonstrated by Fiyero dancing within the rotating bookshelves and Glinda singing while hanging from a chandelier.
The songs lead the story forward and the actors deepen our understanding of the characters and the entire thing comes together under the creative vision of director Jon M. Chu. Honestly, the man just knows how to capture a musical for the screen and this time he’s outdone himself.
Wicked: Part 1 ends with the end of Defying Gravity, marking a pause in the story while leaving plenty of promise for the follow-up. Whether the second instalment will live up to this one is a big question, but this movie can stand on its own feet as well. As proved by the intermingling refrain of “I hope you’re happy” and “bring me down” that continues to ring in my head even now.
Read More: Wicked Part 1 Ending Explained
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Verdict - 9/10
9/10