Musicals are a challenging genre. A successful musical must work as a film while its music resonates with audiences without veering into kitsch. The choreography must integrate seamlessly with the story, and the actors need to behave naturally in an inherently unrealistic setting. These are significant hurdles, but not insurmountable. In fact, recent years have seen a resurgence of the genre. Tick, Tick… Boom! earned acclaim in niche circles, while The Greatest Showman captured the hearts of mainstream audiences. Now comes Wicked, which can be compared in some ways to Wonka (another film that kept its genre hidden until the last moment) and in others to the stage-to-screen adaptations of Hamilton and In the Heights. The latter comparison is fitting since Wicked shares a director with In the Heights, Jon M. Chu.
The Story
In 1995, long before today’s fascination with superhero origin stories, Gregory Maguire believed that the backstories of "supervillains" were even more compelling. He took the Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and imagined why she earned her infamous title. This resulted in Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, first published in Hungary in 2009. While Baum’s tale became a groundbreaking 1939 film, Maguire’s story was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2003. This acclaimed stage production has now been transformed into a 2024 film, directed by Jon M. Chu, telling the antagonist’s origin story in a musical format.
The enchanting setting of a magical school—popular since Harry Potter—combined with the century-old familiarity of Oz provides a perfect backdrop for the tale of the young Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who meet as students at Shiz University. Their contrasting social statuses and philosophies spark meaningful questions, which the story delivers with unexpected twists. While it includes familiar magical school tropes, the narrative evolves into a story about power, beginning with the persecution of talking animals. Through the eyes of our protagonists, it critiques Oz’s ruler, whose populist leadership thrives on manufactured enemies.
Despite its serious themes, the film offers lighthearted entertainment with Glinda, Elphaba, and their peers’ school challenges, making it an ideal family-friendly movie for the holiday season.
Why It Works
In a musical, the music is the cornerstone. Given the Broadway origins of Wicked, it would be surprising if this aspect were lacking. Thankfully, the music is outstanding. The real challenge lies in adapting the theatrical elements for the screen. The choreography and staging have been expanded into a cinematic spectacle, and this adaptation succeeds brilliantly.
The musical numbers transition smoothly from playful, idealistic dances to poignant, dramatic anthems, mirroring the characters’ growth. Elphaba’s journey addresses universal themes like exclusion and xenophobia, making her deeply relatable. Meanwhile, Glinda’s surprising comedic flair adds levity. Cynthia Erivo shines as a tragic heroine, and Ariana Grande transforms into a true comic force. Their performances are so compelling that it almost feels unfair to note how legends like Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum provide excellent, albeit supporting, performances.
Where It Stumbles
As we mentioned, musicals are difficult, and adapting a stage musical brings unique challenges. At 2 hours and 40 minutes, the film’s runtime is a significant commitment. While this length allows the story to breathe, it occasionally slows the pacing, despite the humor and depth compensating somewhat. Additionally, this is only the first half of the story, a fact that might deter some viewers who are already hesitant about the genre.
Is It Worth It?
Wicked is a true cinematic experience. While it may not rival the timeless magic of the 1939 Wizard of Oz, it stands out as a rare family film that entertains with sincerity and without compromise. Its runtime and the “part one” nature of the story might deter some viewers, but its charm, warmth, and meaningful themes make it a strong contender for the holiday season’s most beloved family movie. We’re rooting for it because it truly deserves that recognition.
