Wicked: A Spellbinding Spectacle That Delivers on All Fronts
As a longtime fan of Wicked on Broadway, I couldn’t wait for this movie adaptation to hit the big screen. Part one of the two-part series is finally here, and let me tell y’all—it’s everything I hoped for and more. From start to finish, it’s a stunning mix of dazzling visuals, powerhouse performances, and unforgettable music.
This is a film that pulls you into the magic of Oz while staying true to the heart of the story. And now that I’ve seen it, I’m already counting down the days until part two. Let me break down why this movie is an absolute must-watch.
Galinda’s Pink Perfection: A True Queen of Charm
Y’all know pink is my signature color, so when Ariana Grande as Galinda showed up decked out in pastels, I was obsessed. Every outfit was more fabulous than the last, and it was like the wardrobe department designed her looks just for me.
Ariana completely nailed Galinda’s bubbly personality and comedic timing, especially in her performance of Popular. But what really impressed me was how she added depth to Galinda, balancing her charm with moments of vulnerability. You can’t help but love her, even when she’s being over-the-top.
One of my favorite scenes was when she and Elphaba arrive in the Emerald City and the city bursts into song with One Short Day. Ariana brought so much joy to that moment, and her chemistry with Cynthia Erivo was electric.
Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba: A Powerful Performance
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba was everything I dreamed it would be. Her voice is a powerhouse, and her performance of Defying Gravity left me in awe. It’s the kind of performance that makes you sit up and pay attention, every note filled with raw emotion and strength.
Cynthia captured Elphaba’s journey beautifully, from her initial awkwardness to her realization of her own power. I’ve always felt connected to Elphaba’s story, especially the way she’s judged and misunderstood because of how she looks. Watching Cynthia bring that to life on screen hit me in a deeply personal way.
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero: Swoon-Worthy and Charming
Jonathan Bailey, aka the dreamy Viscount from Bridgerton, was the perfect Fiyero. He brought just the right mix of charm, confidence, and vulnerability to the role, and his chemistry with Cynthia was undeniable.
His scenes with Elphaba were so full of tension and longing that I couldn’t look away. Jonathan managed to make Fiyero more than just a love interest—he gave him real emotional depth, and it added so much to the story.
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: Creepy and Commanding
If Michelle Yeoh doesn’t give you chills as Madame Morrible, I don’t know what will. From the moment she appears, her sinister energy is palpable. She doesn’t even have to raise her voice to make you feel uneasy—her performance is that powerful.
She brought an edge to the film that made the stakes feel higher and the story even more compelling. Michelle’s Morrible is exactly the kind of villain you love to hate.
Marissa Bode as Nessarose: Ashamed, Not Jealous
Marissa Bode as Nessarose brought so much complexity to her role. Nessarose isn’t jealous of Elphaba—she’s ashamed of her, and Marissa captured that shame perfectly.
Her relationship with Elphaba was heartbreaking to watch because, deep down, you can see the love they have for each other, even if it’s buried under resentment and misunderstanding. Marissa’s performance added another emotional layer to the film that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.
A Nostalgic Surprise: Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth
As a die-hard fan of the Broadway show, I was overjoyed to see Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth make a cameo during the One Short Day sequence.
When Galinda and Elphaba are whisked into the Wiz-o-mania stage production, the two original stars appear as dueling divas, each trying to outshine the other. Idina and Kristin even included little nods to their original Broadway performances, and it was such a treat for longtime fans like me.
The Beauty of Silent Storytelling: A Dance to Remember
One of the most beautiful moments in the film was the silent dance between Galinda and Elphaba. Without saying a word, the choreography conveyed everything about their growing bond and the complex emotions they were both feeling.
It was such a simple yet powerful scene, and it’s one that’s stayed with me. Sometimes, actions really do speak louder than words.
Visuals That Dazzle, Music That Soars
The visuals in Wicked are absolutely breathtaking. The Emerald City is a sparkling wonderland, and the attention to detail in the costumes, sets, and lighting is incredible.
The music, of course, is just as unforgettable. From Cynthia’s soul-stirring Defying Gravity to Ariana’s playful Popular, every song was a showstopper. Even hours after leaving the theater, I found myself humming the tunes—I literally can’t get them out of my head!
Final Thoughts: A Wickedly Wonderful Time
Wicked isn’t just a movie—it’s an experience. It’s no wonder it’s already crossed $400 million at the box office, with no signs of slowing down. Financially and critically, it’s a massive success, and for good reason.
Part one was everything I could’ve hoped for, and now I’m even more excited for part two. Until then, I’ll be replaying the songs, reliving the magic, and counting down the days. Y’all, this movie is a must-see. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐