‘Wicked: Part One’ – Review
Get ready for your heart to soar because the whirlwind smash-hit musical Wicked arrives on screen thanks to filmmaker John M. Chu, and this is a dazzling and spectacular musical that will pull you into its fabulous world!
Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda (Ariana Grande), a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.
There’s something truly spellbinding about stepping back into the world of Oz, and director Jon M. Chu’s vision for Wicked: Part One is a technicolour dream that soars as high as its title suggests. This first instalment dives deep into the origin of the Wicked Witch of the West, pulling back the curtain on whether she’s truly a villain—or if there’s something darker lurking beneath Oz’s shimmering surface.
First things first: Wicked: Part One boasts a cast that is so phenomenal that it feels like magic was genuinely cast to bring it together. Ariana Grande dazzles as Galinda, the magic school’s ultimate it-girl, whose sugary-sweet exterior conceals an Elle Woods-meets-Regina George narcissism. Grande embodies the glamour queen perfectly, her every move dripping with calculated charm. She’s greedy, desperate for adoration, and impossible to look away from—especially when she lights up the screen in those luscious pink costumes.
Opposite her is Cynthia Erivo, who delivers a powerhouse performance as Elphaba. Erivo’s take on the misunderstood “ugly duckling” of Oz is heartfelt, vulnerable, and deeply compelling. She nails the complex layers of Elphaba, portraying her as empathetic and kind but also brimming with untapped power. When Erivo belts out ‘Defying Gravity’, it’s nothing short of breathtaking—a career-defining moment that gives the character the gravitas she deserves.
Jeff Goldblum’s portrayal of the Wizard is both eerie and magnetic, adding an enigmatic layer to the story. He charms with his signature charisma but keeps you on edge, hinting at something sinister. Meanwhile, Michelle Yeoh brings her A-game as Madame Morrible, blending grace and menace in a way only she can. Together, they create an intoxicating and deceptive world that feels as magical as it is dangerous.
Visually, Wicked: Part One is a feast for the eyes. The technicolour brilliance of the costumes, the enchanting sets, and the jaw-dropping hair and makeup design all come together to craft a fully immersive Oz. Every scene is packed with detail, from subtle nods to The Wizard of Oz—yes, the yellow brick road makes an appearance — to the vibrant school where our characters’ fates collide. Even the original Broadway stars, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, make cameos, giving longtime fans a delightful touch of nostalgia.
Of course, this wouldn’t be Wicked without the music, and the soundtrack soars as high as you’d expect. Each song feels larger than life, with the cast delivering live performances that will have you humming along long after the credits roll.
Wicked: Part One is a spectacular start to a story brimming with heart, power, and unforgettable performances. Whether you’re here for Ariana’s dazzling Galinda, Cynthia’s heart-wrenching Elphaba, or the sheer magic of Oz itself, this is a cinematic event worth seeing on the big screen.
Image: Universal Pictures
