‘Wicked’ Review: Visually and emotionally gratifying

WICKED, Part 1 (2024) Review
Directed by Jon M. Chu

I finally understand why some people are bewitched by the story and music of Wicked. Prior to watching the film, I’m only familiar with Defying Gravity and that it’s somehow connected to the story of Oz. But seeing how Jon M. Chu interpreted the musical and being able to make it into a larger-than-life story that extends outside the walls of a theatre.

Bringing spectacle and wonder to the big screen with jaw-dropping and moving performances led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked is a must-see movie whether you’re a fan of the musical or not. The film successfully builds its story visually and emotionally up to its climax making it feel still whole even if it’s split into two parts.

Jon M. Chu really did it. He impresses and gives life to the Land of Oz as if it really is existing somewhere. The characters, even the crowd feels like they are real, they are whole, the story doesn’t just focus on its lead characters Elphaba and Glinda but on Land of Oz as a whole, resulting to the film being as authentic as it can be. And that made the flow of the story feel more organic.

Cynthia Erivo is phenomenal. Her voice, how her face reacts, how she sings, you can feel every emotion in her songs. She is Elphaba and you can feel her presence from start to finish. Ariana Grande impresses as Glinda. This may be her biggest role to date but the star power is there. She perfectly balances the seriousness of Elphaba with her perky and fun portrayal of Glinda The Good Witch.

Wicked is the grand musical adventure it promises to be. The storytelling perfectly builds up the friendship of Elphaba and Glinda. Not only does it have big musical numbers and fantastical adventures, the film also has a big heart.

5 OUT OF 5 STARS

‘Wicked’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide, also available in IMAX and 2D/4Dx. Rated PG by the MTRCB.