This is the spectacular cinematic journey we’ve been waiting for. Director John M. Chu creates a stunning experience technically, visually, musically and emotionally showcasing the dazzling talents of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. We were not excited about the darkness of the second act of the original Broadway show, and apprehensive how the rest of the story would play on the big screen. But wanted to see what creative vision of Director John M. Chu would present this time out telling the story of conflicted friendship in the troubled kingdom of Oz. Yes, this film is much darker and has a few very unexpected surprises for fans of the classic..
The 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland was based on the characters in L. Frank Baum’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” “Wicked” on Broadway was based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.” Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox wrote the screenplay for the 2024 Wicked film. Music and lyrics for Broadway and these two films composed by Stephen Schwartz.
Director Chu’s hand-picked crew include cinematographer Alice Brooks, Oscar winners Costume Designer Paul Tazewell and Production Design head Nathan Crowley. They were charged with adding more darkness and depth for the characters. Emotions play a big part in this film and they evolve from the first film to this one. There was a lot more happiness and light in the first Wicked film, but Chu wanted a wider range of emotions like dark ones including fear. Brooks even used different lenses to show Glinda appear brighter, and another for Elphaba in darker hues. And Choreographer Christopher Scott brilliantly tailors dance moves to each character. Plus, we think the big production numbers are more exciting, better conceived and coordinated.
The first scenes are disturbing seeing the Wizard having animals being abused building the Yellow Brick Road. It’s an instant clue that there’s a dark cloud over OZ and Elphaba flies right in to let her wrath and voice of justice be known. The scene abruptly changes seeing Glinda get a new mode of transport to show off her supposed magic powers in a beautiful pink transparent bubble. We’re even introduced to “The Girl in the Bubble.” It’s the first of two new songs from composer Stephen Schwartz. The scene was shot in one long impressive tracking shot that’s very cute. Grande knows how to sell it, but the song itself, is not memorable.
The person really pulling the strings is Madame Morrible, (Michelle Yeoh). Yeoh plays a striking, powerful figure who wants Glinda to be the figure head assuring the people of OZ that the Wizard really has their interests at heart. Yeoh has a song to sing on her own. This Oscar winning actress looks smashing in Tazewell’s magnificently tailored costumes, but singing is not her talent.
Morrible also uses handsome, dreamy Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey- Sexiest Man Alive 2025) as a distraction pushing him as the perfect match for Glinda leading to a huge wedding. You can tell he’s not quite sold on the idea by his reticent demeanor with Glinda in front of the townspeople. We also know from the first film that he is more intrigued with Elphaba. Can he show his true feelings.
You see more of Jeff Goldblum here as the Wizard who was underused in the first film. Glinda is trying to get him to be more friendly toward Elphaba. Goldblum is in his element with the upbeat musical number dancing and singing with Glinda trying to show Elphaba he can be the wonderful wizard they hoped he would be. It doesn’t work. Unfortunately, Elphaba sees is exposed to his other, darker, agenda. He wants even more power over the talking animals Elphaba is trying to keep safe.
One could draw parallels relevant to current events when Erivo sings with affection to her friends in the forest The scenes filled with a collection of animals, big and small. The Flying Monkeys are scary creations, but here, they have personalities. Director Chu used human animators and CGI to create these lifelike creatures with human actors as stand-ins but without using motion capture. And no AI was used to create these truly life-like characters.
Preparation for Glinda and Fiyero’s wedding is elaborately staged by Chu with magnificent production design by Crowley. Glinda changes gowns throughout the film and each one is more beautiful and elaborate. Costume designer Tazewell made creations to die for. Yards of exquisitely layered sparkly pink fabric makes her flowing dresses counter her tiny frame. It’s hard to move in those, but she does so flawlessly as she sings effortlessly walking through the palace singing during long follow shots.
Erivo as Elphaba is so impressive as she sings standing on her broom flying through the air. When Grande and Erivo sing together, their harmonies are pure and each has a range that is off the charts. All the songs in the film were recorded live! Two new songs by original show by composer Stephen Schwartz did not make the impact of Erivo’s singing “No Good Deed” from the original Broadway show. Our audience cheered.
Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, (Marissa Bode) is back in a much darker role as the Governor of Oz, ruling with a stern fist. She is making rules about who can stay in Oz and who can’t. Animals have lost all of their rights and Munchkin travel is restricted. That includes keeping her love interest, Boq (Ethan Slater) from leaving. Nessarose is enraged for his not returning her love. He’s still carrying a torch for Glinda. Nessa becomes even more important as a victim.
Surprisingly, Chu weaves the original characters from Baum’s classic, tornado and all, as they appear in a startling scene showing Dorothy Gale with her friends on the way to Oz. The Tin Man is a sinister presence. He truly has no heart. Coleman Domingo gives voice to the Lion with just a few lines, but we wanted more.
This film is darker, but portrays an emotionally strong connection of friendship that no one and nothing can break. It is also an intimate love story that is carefully well handled. This passion project from the director shows off 5 years of dedication to boundless imagination, creativity and striking quality filmmaking with unbridled talent from Erivo and Grande. John M. Chu proves he’s the real Wizard.
Universal Pictures 2 Hours 18 Minutes PG
