The origin story of Oz’s Wicked Witch Of The West asks the question, “are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” 

Wicked is the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda (Ariana Grande) who will later become The Wicked Witch Of The West and Glinda The Good in the story that many will know featuring Dorothy and a tornado that takes her to Oz. It is a clever and at times intricate reframing of the story you think that you know in the spectacular wrapper of a musical. 

Elphaba has always been scorned growing up due to the hue of her skin with her father prioritising his younger daughter Nessarose (Marissa Bode). Whilst Galinda has always been incredibly popular, getting her own way and being loved by all. When sorcery teacher Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) pairs the two as roommates at Shiz University they initially loathe each other before developing a friendship like no other. 

The story takes in the persecution of animals within Oz, the political ambitions of the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), love triangles between Elphaba, Galinda, Nessarose, a dashing prince named Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) and a Munchkin called Boq (Ethan Slater) and of course how Elphaba becomes wicked. 

The easiest place to start with my assessment of the film is to say that I loved it. Anyone who is a fan of the original musical or musicals in general will likely be overjoyed with the results on screen. And whilst I appreciate there are many out there who just hate musicals I really think this will still sway those on the fence into the positive camp. 

There is of course the caveat that this 160 minute feature is only part one of two. Choosing to end where the musical curtain comes down for intermission it finishes on a barnstorming showstopper but leaves a one-year-intermission until the finale. It is however thoroughly worth watching on the big screen and waiting in anticipation for the finale. 

Technically the film is a marvel. The costumes, sets and special effects are all stunning. Whilst the staging and choreography on display is at times mesmerising. I particularly loved Galinda’s walk towards camera with her university books in this regard. Anyone who is a fan of the show or The Wizard Of Oz will also be in for a treat in terms of references and homages as well. I spotted many and suspect that I missed even more. Those references to the film this story is essentially a prequel to are particularly enjoyable given how closely the story weaves around and through it. Whilst the super camp cameos for originating Broadway stars of the musical Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel is a little icing on the cake. 

As far as performances go, Ariana Grande was my star of the show. As someone who is aware of who she is, but not familiar with her work I was enthralled by the little touches she had put into her performance of the self important Galinda. Cynthia Erivo is also incredibly good and delivers the key song of “Defying Gravity” with gusto. Director Jon M. Chu and casting directors Tiffany Little Canfield and Bernard Telsey should be commended for finding stars who can sing and act whilst becoming their characters. 

Of the supporting cast Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero is the standout, whilst Jeff Goldblum’s wizard may just be Goldblum’s usual schtick it is still fun to watch. 

So, head out to the cinema and enjoy the musical extravaganza that is Wicked.