Jon M. Chu’s Wicked: Part One reimagines one of Broadway’s most celebrated musicals with remarkable ambition and finesse. Released as the first installment of a two-part adaptation, Wicked meticulously balances narrative complexity and visual splendor.
Where other musical adaptations often truncate intricate storylines to fit within a single runtime, Chu’s bifurcated approach to divide Wicked into two films affords this adaptation the space to delve deeply into character development and thematic exploration. This first installment focuses on the evolving relationship between Elphaba (Ariana Grande) and Glinda (Cynthia Erivo), bringing to the fore the themes of power, identity, and moral ambiguity that underpin the narrative.
The pacing is deliberate but never plodding, with each scene contributing meaningfully to the overarching story and allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the richly constructed world of Oz.
Wicked's ensemble cast could not be more perfect. Ariana Grande brings a bubbly effervescence and depth to Glinda, capturing the duality of her outward charisma and internal conflict. Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, on the other hand, is a tour de force. Her commanding vocal performance of the iconic "Defying Gravity" serves as the film’s emotional and narrative apex, underscoring Elphaba’s transformation from misunderstood outcast to resolute revolutionary. The chemistry between Grande and Erivo is palpable, lending authenticity to their characters' fraught yet tender relationship.
Supporting performances also merit recognition, highlights including Jonathan Bailey as the charismatic yet complex Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as the nuanced Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum’s morally ambiguous Wizard. The ensemble elevates the narrative, ensuring that secondary characters remain integral to the story’s fabric.
Chu and his creative team construct a world that oscillates between the enchanting and the foreboding, mirroring the tonal shifts of the story.
Musically, the film achieves a delicate balance between fidelity to Stephen Schwartz’s original score and the expansiveness afforded by cinematic orchestration. Iconic numbers like "The Wizard and I" and "Popular" retain their emotional resonance while benefiting from the broader sonic landscape. The choreography, most notably in "What Is This Feeling" and "Dancing Through Life," adds a layer of dynamism that bridges the gap between stage and screen.
Splitting Wicked into two films sets high expectations for the concluding chapter, slated for release in November 2025. But if the first installment is any indication, the sequel is well-positioned to deliver a powerful crescendo that matches the ambition of its predecessor.
Chu’s Wicked: Part One exemplifies the potential of cinematic adaptations to honor their source material while charting new creative terrain—and is perhaps the greatest musical adaptation to date. With its impeccable performances, magical visuals, and a deeply resonant score, the film transcends the limitations often associated with the genre.
Whether you're a longtime devotee of the Broadway production or a newcomer to the world of Oz, Wicked offers an immersive experience that redefines what a musical adaptation can achieve. It is, without question, a benchmark for the genre and a harbinger of great things to come.