WICKED. One of the best films of the year

I’ve never been particularly drawn to the universe created by L. Frank Baum over a century ago. I can appreciate the iconic 1939 adaptation for its contribution to the history of world cinema, but when watched in the 21st century, it didn’t leave much of an impression on me. The 2013 prequel (?), directed by Sam Raimi and now justifiably forgotten, outright repelled me without any lingering guilt. So, I’m glad that this iconic world has finally been presented in a work that I can truly admire. Because Wicked by Jon M. Chu is one of the best films of the year.

However, it’s not a direct adaptation of Baum’s prose or even an original story set in the world of The Wizard of Oz. Instead, it’s a big-screen adaptation of the cult Broadway musical of the same name, which has been triumphantly running for over two decades. It tells the story of the friendship’s origins and eventual conflict between two witches known from the original: Glinda and Elphaba.

This year’s film adaptation covers the first act of the musical (the second and final part is set to premiere almost exactly a year later) and focuses on the beginnings of a complex friendship between the popular, beloved-by-everyone Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who is rejected for her appearance but possesses extraordinary magical talent. Wicked makes several subtle (and less subtle) references to the 1939 The Wizard of Oz, but it never alienates viewers who haven’t seen or don’t remember the earlier film.

Instead of relying on a nostalgic return to the iconic universe, the film centers on its own story and its exceptional heroines. Despite its impressive 160-minute runtime dedicated to the first act of this tale, the audience’s attention never wanes. Elphaba and Glinda’s journey captivates, surprises, and engages from the very first moment. Built on the tried-and-true dynamic of two magnetic opposites, it’s a parable about rejection fostering evil and the harmful prejudices perpetuated by the privileged and powerful. All of this unfolds within Hollywood’s still-popular narrative framework of revenge by the scorned.

Naturally, the story is told within the framework of a grand blockbuster that dazzles with its vision of Oz. The set design, costumes, staging of musical scenes, choreography, and—of course!—the music are all particularly striking. The songs written for Broadway more than 20 years ago still captivate and linger in your mind long (long!) after the credits roll.

Much of this success is due to the bold decision to cast true singers in the two lead roles: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Both not only delivered exceptional performances of the Broadway hits but also proved their acting prowess, serving as the true heart of the production. They never let even such vibrant co-stars as Michelle Yeoh or Jeff Goldblum steal the spotlight. Erivo and Grande as Elphaba and Glinda entertain and move the audience, and their inevitable, tragic conflict (revealed in the film’s opening minutes) is all the more poignant thanks to the superbly portrayed characters.

Ultimately, the true magic of Wicked lies, for me, in the impeccable craftsmanship of its filmmaking. The movie is remarkably consistent, free of false notes, and unwaveringly faithful to its vision, characters, and story. This level of quality is becoming increasingly rare in today’s blockbusters, which are often filled with compromises and conflicting goals. In this lies the enormous commercial and artistic success of Chu’s film.

Here’s hoping they manage to preserve this in the second part.