New York-based talents Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are the largest stars in Hollywood for Jon M. Chu’s Wicked. Read our Wicked review.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always been terribly excited for Wicked. I remember being in middle school, learning about the culture of Broadway from my theater kid friends, and seeing that a Wicked movie adaptation had been in pre-production hell for around 15 years at that point. At the same time, the only thing I had been listening to was Ariana Grande’s newly released album Sweetener. Though I knew how badly Grande wanted a role in Wicked, little did I know my two worlds would soon mix.
On November 4, 2021, it was announced that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande had been cast in the films after a 10-month-long waiting period. Gay people around the world screamed in their homes, whether it was in support of the casting or against it. Regardless of your political affiliation, director Jon M. Chu had a foolproof plan. And Erivo and Grande knew exactly how to play along.
Our first signs that the movie would be well worth the wait came after Grande’s leaked on-set performance of “No One Mourns The Wicked” in April 2023. The leaked performance blew up on TikTok, leading everyone to comment on Grande’s spectacular and unexpected ending high note. Audiences had been intrigued by the production following the announcement that the musical would be split into two parts the year before, but anticipation for the movies skyrocketed after hearing Grande’s “new and improved” voice.
Erivo, who had previously won a Tony, Grammy, and Daytime Emmy award for her 2016 performance in The Color Purple, delivers a stunning performance that’s begging for an Oscar nomination. The charm that Erivo brings to Elphaba is magical, and her energy is only matched by the performance Grande puts into Galinda. The pair are perfect for each other, delivering vocals with such timbre that’ll have you leaving the theater with their harmonies etched into your head.
Non-Spoiler ‘Wicked’ Review
Despite my enthusiasm and eagerness for this movie to be released, I did pay attention to the critical talking points of the movie. Concerns that Jon M. Chu wouldn’t be able to deliver a masterclass in directing, that Ariana Grande wouldn’t be able to deliver a convincing Galinda, and that Cynthia Erivo wouldn’t be able to deliver an Oscar-deserving performance had been swirling since the announcements of their involvements. Suffice it to say, Wicked blew me away.
As a film critic, I had been very wary of the fact that though this movie would hit every bullet point for me, it would not for other people. To get you a taste of who I am, three out of my Top 4 films on Letterboxd are Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. As an avid Harry Potter fan, I’ve continuously stayed up to date with the franchise leading into Fantastic Beasts, and boy have I seen the reception to that. (Fun fact: Camera Operator Simon Finney actually worked on Philosopher’s Stone and Prisoner of Azkaban!)
Fortunately, Wicked improves upon every aspect where Fantastic Beasts faulted. Closer to the likes of Wonka and Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Wicked’s ventures into the worlds of Oz, Shiz University, and the Emerald City are very reminiscent of watching Order of the Phoenix for the first time and being transported into The Ministry of Magic.
The Harry Potter comparisons don’t stop there. Chu clearly takes influence from Alfonso Cuarón’s world-building methods to craft a film that feels full from top to bottom. Magical creatures embellish the world with liveliness, contrasting colors heighten different scenes, and background actors bring oodles of energy with them at all times. The PG rating also opens the doors for everyone to immerse themselves in the world and enjoy the film!
Building a Musical Oz
When Jon Chu pitched his vision of the Wicked films to Universal, he knew he was playing the master card career move he’s been waiting for his entire life. The scope of the project was so massive that Chu felt forced to split the story into two films. A lot of Chu’s influences clearly stem from the “Old School Hollywood” aesthetic. Characters act dramatically, society is generally calmer, and the world built is a pure spectacle. Both films were shot together early last year, finishing production right before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Though the sheer scope of the film feels like an old Hollywood film, my mind transported me back to one of my favorite movies of all time: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The movie-musical film starring A-List celebrities with a director who knows how to craft a “comfort movie” is reminiscent of 70’s-90’s Blockbuster Bollywood films in my mind. Since Wicked is a blockbuster musical, a rarity nowadays, Chu’s opportunity to expand this marvel to full glory is a monumental feat.
(Slight spoilers) For example, the number “One Short Day” is the climax of the movie’s second act, bringing a sort of “Be Our Guest” magic to the movie. I can’t even begin to imagine how much choreography was needed to execute this extremely tight vision. From the set design to the costume design, every scene that takes your breath away makes you wonder how it was crafted.
Though there are valid complaints about the lighting, Chu makes up for it with cinematic shots that you would normally have to watch an A24 film for. If you were worried that this movie would be reminiscent of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald or Aladdin (2019), do not fret! Jon Chu did think of you when addressing how to market this movie to several audiences.
‘Wicked’ Story Review
Though I may be a theater kid who admittedly hasn’t seen Wicked on stage yet, I understand the nuance in the theater politics that this film dances around. Casting the amazingly capable and talented woman Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba adds a sense of irony to the character, between a Black woman leading a Blockbuster movie and a theater kid achieving the role of Elphaba.
(Slight spoilers) The story’s take on being “thrust” into wickedness due to society’s standards is an important conversation to have within this political climate. Galinda’s line before she embraces Elphaba’s dance at the party, “Of course she cares what other people think. She’s just too afraid to show it,” is such a strong line within the broader context of our society.
The themes of camaraderie, loyalty, and friendship that Wicked displays are communicated strongly enough to be comprehended by everyone. The politics within the way the characters impact each other breathe a new layer into the social dynamics at Shiz University. Chu did an excellent job in making sure that the film doesn’t come off as pandering to kids, leading the audience to think critically about a character’s actions; such as why Galinda, as a character, sides with The Wizard and Ms. Morrible towards the end.
Wicked is a timeless classic that couldn’t be released at a more important period in history than ever. Erivo and Grande deliver astounding performances, complimenting the likes of Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh throughout. Jon M. Chu presents a once-in-a-lifetime fantastical experience that you can only catch again next year.
Needless to say, go watch Wicked ASAP!
Jon M. Chu’s Wicked releases in theaters on November 22. The film stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh.
Jon M. Chu’s Wicked: Part Two releases in theaters on November 21, 2025. The film stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh.
If you liked this Wicked review, be sure to read more reviews here at Feature First.
