Rated: PG
My Rating: 9/10
For many, Wicked has been a long-anticipated musical
phenomenon, both as a Broadway spectacle and a cultural touchstone. Now, with
the much-awaited film adaptation, Jon M. Chu has brought the magic of Oz to the
big screen. Divided into two parts, this first instalment of Wicked delivers
everything fans could want and more, ending at the point where the intermission
of the Broadway show occurs, leaving us eagerly awaiting the second half.
The film is a triumph, a masterpiece in storytelling, set
design, and performance. But more than that, it brings to life the iconic
characters of Elphaba and Glinda, with two powerful, pitch-perfect performances
by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. This film may have been a long time coming,
but it’s clear that every bit of it was worth the wait.
From the moment Ariana Grande appears on screen, it's
impossible to imagine anyone else in the role of Glinda. Her casting isn’t just
a stroke of good fortune—it's a triumph of sheer destiny. Grande has made no
secret of her dream to play the iconic role, and it's evident that this film is
the culmination of years of manifesting this dream into reality.
Her portrayal of Glinda is a delicate balance of warmth,
wit, and vulnerability, and she brings something uniquely hers to the
character. Glinda is traditionally the bubbly, somewhat naïve counterpart to
Elphaba’s more complex, misunderstood nature. But Grande injects a deep sense
of emotional depth into her portrayal, particularly in scenes where the
character grapples with her relationships and loyalties. Her comedic timing is
impeccable, but it’s in the quieter moments that Grande really shines, revealing
a woman who, despite her sparkly exterior, is also grappling with the growing
political and personal tension in Oz.
Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba is a force to be reckoned with. From
the very first scene, it’s clear that Erivo understands the pain and complexity
that define Elphaba. The character is often misunderstood, labelled as the
"Wicked Witch of the West," and Erivo brings this emotional turmoil
to the forefront, showing a woman who is shaped by her past and her struggles,
yet rises to become someone who inspires.
There’s a rawness to her performance that you can’t look
away from. Every glance, every movement, feels infused with the deep well of
hurt that Elphaba carries with her. It’s the contrast between her fierce
determination and her overwhelming loneliness that makes her character so
compelling, and Erivo captures this dichotomy flawlessly.
The way Erivo delivers the iconic "Defying
Gravity" is a standout moment. It’s one of those performances that’ll have
audiences gripping their seats, mesmerised by her vocal power, presence, and
the sheer determination behind her every word. The raw emotion in her voice,
combined with the electrifying choreography and the spectacular visual effects
surrounding her, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
One of the most pleasant surprises of Wicked is
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero. His portrayal of the carefree, slightly arrogant
prince is both charismatic and surprisingly layered. Bailey’s charm is
undeniable, but what stands out is how he creates a genuine connection with
both Erivo and Grande, making his character feel like a true part of the
emotional core of the film.
What’s even more impressive is how Bailey navigates the
character’s transformation throughout the story. His chemistry with both leads
is palpable—whether it’s his fun, flirty moments with Glinda or his more
sincere, tender exchanges with Elphaba. Bailey’s performance provides a welcome
levity to the heavier themes of the film, and he has an undeniable screen
presence that leaves you wanting more every time he’s on screen.
The world of Oz in Wicked is nothing short of breathtaking.
The set design is a true masterpiece. Every scene feels meticulously crafted,
from the towering spires of the Emerald City to the wild, expansive landscapes
of the forest. The attention to detail is extraordinary, with a mixture of
practical sets and stunning visual effects that never feel overblown. There's a
certain tactile quality to the sets that grounds the world, making it feel like
a real, lived-in place, while still maintaining the fantasy elements that make
Oz so magical.
The cinematography by Wicked's director of photography is
just as stunning. The use of light, shadow, and colour throughout the film is
absolutely spectacular. Every frame is rich with detail, and the sweeping,
grand shots create a sense of grandeur and scale. The camera work flows
seamlessly with the music, capturing the emotional highs and lows of the
characters as they journey through Oz. The intricate choreography and vibrant
sets come together in perfect harmony under the skilled direction of Jon M. Chu.
Director Jon M. Chu (who also helmed In the Heights
and Crazy Rich Asians) proves once again that he is a master at
balancing spectacle with substance. His direction of Wicked is nothing
short of masterful, blending the grandeur of a Broadway show with the immersive
possibilities of cinema. He knows when to let the characters breathe and when
to elevate the drama with visual flourishes. His ability to bring this beloved
story to life on the big screen while respecting its Broadway roots is a
testament to his understanding of the material and his vision for how it should
translate.
Chu's ability to choreograph the action and musical numbers
is equally impressive. The large-scale sequences are dazzling, but it’s the
quieter moments—where the camera lingers on a single character’s
expression—that demonstrate his deep understanding of the emotional core of the
story. Each song feels like an opportunity for the characters to not only
showcase their vocal abilities but also to express the complexities of their
relationships and personal growth.
The pacing of the film is also spot-on. Given that the film
is split into two parts, the first instalment ends at the point where the
intermission of the Broadway show occurs. This is a risky decision, but it
works perfectly. The story builds to a powerful climax that leaves the audience
both satisfied and craving more, with the promise of an even bigger emotional
payoff to come in Part 2.
Overall, Wicked (Part 1) is a triumph. It successfully
adapts the beloved Broadway musical into a visually stunning and emotionally
resonant film. With phenomenal performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo,
stellar supporting work from Jonathan Bailey, and a breathtaking visual style
under the direction of Jon M. Chu, the film has all the magic of the stage version
but amplified for the big screen.
The pacing, the performances, the direction, and the set
design all come together beautifully to make Wicked a must-see event for
musical theatre lovers and filmgoers alike. If the second half lives up to the
brilliance of this first part, Wicked will certainly be remembered as one of
the great film adaptations of a musical.
I rate this film a 9/10. It’s nearly flawless, with the
promise of something even more spectacular in the second part. Wicked has
managed to turn a story we already know into something new, exciting, and
utterly magical.
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In Cinemas November 21st 2024