Quite literally the opposite of “disgusticified,” Wicked was a box office smash hit in 2024, grossing $756 million worldwide, and this was no mistake. Jon M. Chu directed a master-class musical film to bring a Broadway classic to the cinema for all to see. Not only did he make the musical accessible – he accentuated it with brilliant details.
Every scene had intricate details from the costume design to the CGI effects that made Oz come to life. “One Short Day” truly showcases the film’s elegant production through Emerald City’s execution. Chu does an impeccable job of creating the Oz universe for all viewers to become immersed in the magic.
Arguably, the most sentimental moment in the film was Chu’s decision to bring out Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, the Broadway Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, as “Wiz-O-Mania Superstars” performing in the Emerald City. Chu pays homage to the Broadway production and surprises the Wicked fanbase by having Chenoweth and Menzel appear as mentors, in a way, to the new forms of their original characters.
From the start of the nearly three-hour film to the end, the audience may as well be spellbound.
Cynthia Erivo blew the water out of Oz with her performance as Elphaba. Erivo’s vocals were mesmerizing throughout the musical, growing stronger as the film progressed. From “The Wizard in I,” where she first truly showcased the depth of her vocals, to the grand finale of the movie with “Defying Gravity,” Erivo convinced the audience to fall in love with her green character.
In the film, Glinda is supposed to be the favored character with her goodness, but Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba unveils how what appears to be good may not always be good at heart.
Ariana Grande was a phenomenal selection to portray Glinda, formerly Galinda, as Grande encapsulated Glinda’s complex character entertainingly and attractively. On top of her seamless embodiment of Glinda, Grande’s vocal performance in the film was flawless. Grande not only put her own twists on some of the vocals that heightened Glinda’s personality, but likely made Chenoweth beyond proud.
As the film progresses, conflict continues to build beneath Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship – from romantic partners to vastly different morals. The ebb and flow of their friendship is undeniably captivating. In the final minutes of the film, the underlying conflict finally comes to light in an angry yet heartfelt encounter.
The contrast yet collaboration of Erivo and Grande’s vocals in the incredibly challenging “Defying Gravity” is impressively unforgettable. Erivo and Grande highlight the intense conflict between two best friends through every note, perfectly showcasing the conflicting feelings of love and disappointment.
“Wicked” is a phenomenal production that is addictive to watch and sing along to. The sequel, “Wicked: For Good”, covers the second half of the Broadway production featuring songs such as “No Good Deed” and “For Good.”
