Wicked (2024)
The movie event of this November is here: 2024’s “Wicked”, directed by Jon M. Chu, promises to be a high-flying adaptation of a beloved Broadway musical. But does it defy gravity or end up falling like an Oz tumbleweed?
A perfect example of how to flesh a story out, the 2hr40min runtime in “Wicked” is certainly used to its fullest extent, with musical numbers being dime a dozen and the spotlight being given to everyone. While this can be exhilarating for fans of the Broadway show, it can sometimes be exhausting for casual audiences. I’m all for more modern musical representation in film, but with a lore-heavy project like this, it becomes crucial to slow down at points, and unfortunately, “Wicked” doesn’t do that too often. Given that this is a two-parter, it’s disappointing that high spirits and ambition aren’t balanced with cohesiveness.
However, “Wicked” stuns in worldbuilding and cinematography, making the world of Oz feel the most polished it has in years. Detail is bountiful, from shots of gorgeous hills and vistas to small villages to the mystical grounds of Shiz University. Cinematographer Alice Brooks, best known for her work on 2021’s In the Heights, clearly has a dazzling eye as her interpretation of Oz is fantastical and highlights the vibrant set pieces, which are aplenty in this project. There’s never more than a small lull between these all-encompassing sequences, as her work makes the transition from scene to scene seamless.
Having made 2 culturally aware blockbusters in the last 10 years, Jon M. Chu is truly allowed to go fully stylistic here, realizing his vision for “Wicked” as a project that pays excellent homage to the original Wizard of Oz while also being inconsistent in some parts. The coloring is iffy in this, with some scenes having a flushed look with countertop browns and metallic greens, while others lean too much into the fantasticalness of Oz. Additionally, it felt like this struggled to keep a consistent tone at times, with buildup being either dragged out or rushed, and characters disappearing from the narrative.
The biggest strength “Wicked” has over every other big-budgeted movie this year is undoubtedly the acting. Our 2 leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande bring a commendable amount of talent to the screen that ultimately makes this worth the while. The former, playing Elphaba, commands the utmost confidence and gravitas in her head-strong nature. 2 days after watching this, I’m still thinking about her show-stopping performance of “Defying Gravity” and how she gives the film a bold persona. Ariana, on the other hand, gives to a tee, the most manic, upbeat, overly-posh performance musical film has ever seen with Galinda, and is the film’s backbone. Already being discussed as a potential Supporting Actress winner, she brings a chaotic, unpredictable energy to the film that doesn’t slow down until the very end.
Overall, Wicked will undoubtedly be a treat for super-fans of the Broadway show and general audiences who have grown to know Oz over the years. While I do hope that Part 2 next year will be tighter, it’s no secret that this adaptation does indeed succeed in bringing a fully committed, modern musical to the big screen in all of its glory.
7/10 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿
Where to Watch: In Theaters, VoD (Video On Demand)
