Grace Miller's 60-Second Review of Wicked
“Wicked” is a 2024 musical fantasy film directed by Jon M. Chu, adapted from the hit Broadway musical of the same name. The story explores the untold tale of the witches of Oz, focusing on the complex friendship between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch.
Main Cast:
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp: A passionate and misunderstood young woman with emerald-green skin, destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West.
Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland: Elphaba's bubbly and ambitious roommate, who later becomes Glinda the Good Witch.
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar: A carefree and charming prince who becomes entangled in a love triangle with Elphaba and Glinda.
Ethan Slater as Boq: A Munchkin student with unrequited feelings for Glinda.
Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp: Elphaba's younger sister, whose physical disability shapes her path in Oz.
Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The enigmatic ruler of Oz with a hidden agenda.
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: The headmistress of Shiz University with a manipulative streak.
Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond: A Goat professor at Shiz University facing discrimination in Oz.
The 2024 film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, has generated a lot of buzz for its visually stunning approach and powerful performances, especially from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. Set as a two-part prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the film explores the complex friendship between the two witches, exploring themes of ambition, rivalry, and the nature of good and evil in the vibrant world of Oz.
The film includes iconic songs from the original Broadway production, such as "Defying Gravity" and "Popular," which have been reimagined for the big screen. Early reviews indicate that the film's elaborate set designs and captivating cinematography effectively capture the musical's magic, hinting that it might be an Oscar contender. Critics praise the performances as both humorous and heartfelt. In particular, Ariana Grande's portrayal of Glinda is highlighted for blending comedy with depth, marking a strong contrast with Erivo's powerful Elphaba.
Overall, Wicked appears to be a faithful and ambitious adaptation that brings fresh life to a beloved story. It promises fans both new and familiar emotional high notes and dramatic turns.
