Wicked: Part 1 (dir. Jon M. Chu)

By: Meghan Winebrenner

Twenty-one years since its Broadway debut, and twelve years since the film’s initial announcement, Wicked has finally taken audiences on their long awaited journey over the rainbow, defying all expectations. Director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) shapes a fantasy world that will enchant audiences as he shares a spellbinding tale that has already proven its popularity. Though the film’s marketing has somewhat disguised the production’s two part split, the two hour and forty minute run time of Wicked: Part 1 makes the most of every minute, and serves a celebration and elevation of the original work. With the stellar performances delivered by Broadway darling Cynthia Erivo (Harriet), and pop sensation Ariana Grande (Victorious), the film leaves audiences energized for next year's second installment.

Wicked details the story about what happened beyond the Yellow Brick Road prior to Dorothy dropping into Oz. The film seeks to clarify the motivations of Glinda the Good, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, when juxtaposing sorceresses were unlikely friends and roommates back at Shiz University. The film shares the classic characters’ origins while detailing the very real and very relevant issues facing the citizens of Oz. Wicked explores the journey of self discovery and the difficulties that come with conformity, as well as tackling the complexities of kindness, the importance of empathy, and the consequences of ignorance in a way that children and adults of all ages can comprehend and ponder. 

Chu’s masterpiece pays homage to both the Wicked stage production and the 1939 classic The Wizard of OZ, leaving fans of both productions feeling nostalgic while simultaneously enhancing the storytelling of both its predecessors. This upgrade can be felt through the actors' performances as well as the artistic direction, and Chu’s genius can be seen in the crew he assembled to address each layer of composition. Christopher Scott’s choreography is absolutely breathtaking and encompasses the screen and story while highlighting the joy that radiates from lyricist Stephen Schwartz’s iconic soundtrack. The set design created by Nathan Crowley and the costume composition by Paul Tazewell are equally transportive and invite audiences to an Oz that feels like both an amusement park and an art exhibit. These elements combined with the exquisite performances by the talented supporting cast of Michelle Yeoh (Everything, Everywhere, All at Once), Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park), Johnathan Bailey (Bridgerton), and Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) set the stage for a production of epic proportions. Correspondingly Erivo’s Elphaba and Grande’s Glinda feel wonderfully amiable, sincere, and sentimental. Wicked provides memorable entertainment for all ages that will leave audiences dancing through life and feeling capable of defying gravity. 

Target Score: 8/10 - Wicked is a horse of a different color, and fans of the theater will wholly enjoy the wonderful adaptation of the Broadway classic. Though it is only one half of the original production, the film is sure to cause a commotion at the box office this holiday season.