The stars dazzle as young rival witches in Jon M Chu’s incredibly polished first part of his two-part adaptation of the musical phenomenon Wicked.

Wendy Ide Sun 24 Nov 2024 08.00 GMT Share There’s a certain magic in the air. If you’re like me and haven’t yet experienced the blockbuster stage musical Wicked (which ranks as the second-highest-grossing Broadway show ever, meaning a lot of people have seen it), you might approach this vibrant, high-energy, heavily promoted film adaptation with cautious optimism. The lengthy runtime of two hours and 40 minutes is one factor, along with the somewhat cynical choice to split the story into two films (fans will have to wait nearly a year for the second part).

However, any doubts quickly fade, and concerns about the release strategy are soon forgotten. Wicked combines its dazzling spectacle with genuine emotion. With standout performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Jon M Chu’s sleek adaptation moves at such a delightful pace that you might find yourself wishing it were even longer (though your bladder might disagree). Addressing timely issues like bullying, corrupt leadership, and the stigmatization of differences, this film offers a delightful mix of vibrant escapism while also providing significant depth and darker themes.

For anyone who might have missed the cultural phenomenon of Wicked over the last few decades, here’s a quick overview. Both the film and the stage production draw inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which reimagines the backstory of the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz. The story centers on the early lives of two young witches: Elphaba (Erivo), a green-skinned outcast destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and the charming and popular Galinda (Grande), who will eventually transform into Glinda the Good.

Elphaba and Galinda have just arrived at Shiz University, a place that combines the cutthroat social dynamics of Mean Girls' North Shore High with the magical education of Hogwarts. While Elphaba isn't a student herself, she's there to support her younger sister, Nessarose, who is paraplegic (played by Marissa Bode). However, the impressive Madame Morrible, portrayed by the fabulous Michelle Yeoh, quickly recognizes Elphaba's potential and offers her personalized lessons in enchantment, despite any vocal challenges. To their mutual annoyance, Elphaba and Galinda are assigned as roommates.