124 years ago in 1900, the children’s novel ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ written by legendary author, L. Frank Baum was published, becoming a huge success and was soon adapted into a Broadway musical in 1902, and later into the hit 1939 film, ‘The Wizard of Oz’, a landmark in cinema history. In 1995, a prequel novel written by Gregory Maguire titled, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ was published, focusing on Elphaba and how she became the Wicked Witch of the West.

In 2003, this story also became a Broadway musical known simply as ‘Wicked’, with shows around the world and is still ongoing today with confirmed dates as far as July 2025. Now in 2024, the hit Broadway musical receives the highly anticipated live-action adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Eviro and Ariana Grande.

Long before she became the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba Thropp was mysteriously born with green skin and immediately disowned by her father because of it, which was only the beginning of her troubled childhood. Many years later, she and her younger sister, Nessarose arrive at Shiz University where Elphaba is immediately judged by everyone for the colour of her skin.

After meeting the school’s headmistress, Madame Morrible, Elphaba is assigned to share a dorm with the bubbly and popular Galinda Upland. The two do not get along, but Elphaba is there to focus on her studies while also keeping an eye on her sister, but after learning about a conspiracy, she vows that if she ever meets the Wizard, she will inform him and help him put an end to it.

Cynthia Eviro stars as Elphaba, doing an amazing job of showing the struggles of being different from others. Despite her life experiences being dark and gloomy, she shines the brightest by facing adversity no matter what challenges may come her way. She’s determined to prove that skin colour does not define who you are, which helps her relate to others who are also different in their own way and stand up for their rights. Throughout the film, she’s finding her place in society while forming unlikely friendships with those who despise her, especially Galinda.

Galinda is portrayed by pop sensation, Ariana Grande who is a big fan of the Wicked musical herself and Galinda happens to be one of her dream roles. She is of course no stranger to both acting and singing, making her a natural fit for the film and she absolutely gives it her all. She’s ditzy, beautiful and popular, but also selfish, arrogant and cares only for herself, which puts her at odds with Elphaba, adding to the challenges she’s already facing. It’s clear to see how much this role means to Ariana, with every little detail done so meticulously with her personality, mannerisms and facial expressions. Even her most subtle movements will have audiences laughing.

There is no shortage of star power either, as the film features a star-studded cast that includes Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman, Peter Dinklage voicing Doctor Dillamond, Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and more. Despite them having supporting roles, they all get their big moments throughout the film, have their places in the story and never feel any less important than the two main stars. There is also a very special cameo appearance by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original stars of the Broadway stage show who portrayed Elphaba and Galinda respectively.

The onscreen chemistry between Cynthia and Ariana couldn’t be more perfect. They both show so much character development that anytime they’re on screen together, there is bound to be magic, literally and figuratively. They both get the opportunity to showcase their singing and acting talents and do not disappoint. Being a musical, the movie is filled with music and fans of the stage show hear many of their favourite songs. The way they’re presented in this film takes it to a whole new level, as Cynthia, Ariana and more belt out those tunes that add so much to the raw emotion of the story.

Another big part of telling an emotionally moving story is the practical and special effects as well as all the charismatic extras, costumes and set pieces that help bring the world of Oz to life. The film is full of colour, character and personality with many of the set pieces actually built for the film rather than just relying on green screens and special effects. Every location, building, rooms,

architecture and more have so much detail that the audience will be in awe of everything they see. The special effects are done in a way to help enhance what’s already there and create magic, instead of being used just for the sake of it and cutting corners.

Ariana Grande may be the award-winning recording artist amongst the cast, but it’s Cynthia Eviro who steals the show, especially when Elphaba takes flight for the first time, putting her front and centre of the movie and will put all those who doubted her casting to rest. She puts in the performance of a lifetime that will be remembered for years to come. Everything from the story, acting, character development, music, practical effects, special effects and more all come together to create one of the most epic, emotional and powerful scenes in cinema history.

The film is a long one with a runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes, but it takes full advantage of all the time it has, delving deeper into the character’s relationships, giving the entire cast their chance to shine and with no one feeling left out. Long films can be a challenge to sit through, but there is never a dull moment in Wicked, as it will have audiences glued to the screen from start to finish. It is a love letter to the stage musical that longtime fans will love and appreciate, but the story isn’t over yet as this is only part 1, which was revealed at the beginning of the film.

Part 2 of Wicked is set for release in November 2025 and even though all the marketing and promotional events never stated this was going to be a two-part movie, part 1 has already done a fantastic job to keep audiences engaged for almost three hours. With how epic Part 1 already is, it sets expectations high for Part 2 and fans are already excited to see the rest of Elphaba’s story a year from now.

Adapting stage musicals into film can be hit or miss, but Wicked is one that hits hard. It is a true masterpiece that does absolute justice to the stage show, expands on the story even more and creates some of the most incredible visuals ever seen. Every single aspect of the film does its part to create an awe-inspiring spectacle. The entire cast all shine in their own way, but Cynthia Eviro and Ariana Grande take centre stage, with Cynthia putting in the performance of a lifetime that must be seen to be believed. Wicked is an epic emotional and powerful rollercoaster that defies gravity and the story has only just begun.

Written by: Sammy Hanson