Wicked is essentially the prequel of the iconic The Wizard of Oz, exploring the backstories of the witches, Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. Although I had never seen or heard of Wicked the musical, I grew up watching Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz and couldn’t wait to watch the adapted film. The idea of delving into Oz’s untold stories was undeniably intriguing and held my attention from the first trailer premiere.

     Ariana Grande did a fantastic job as Galinda; she was everything she promised she would be playing this role. Her vocals throughout the soundtrack were absolutely stunning. With each note, she truly brought Galinda’s personality to life, making her portrayal raw and heartfelt for the audience to interpret. Let me emphasize that all the singing was not pre-recorded in a studio—every note was live on set, adding to the authenticity of Grande’s and the rest of the casts’ performances. I couldn’t have asked for a better actress and singer to take over Billie Burke’s appreciated character. 

     Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, also known as the Wicked Witch, did not disappoint. Her raw emotion and powerful presence on screen created a depth to her character that was both compelling and moving. Her ability to perform her own stunts was incredibly impressive, showcasing her unbelievable talent and dedication to the role. Additionally, she showcased exceptional vocal prowess during her live performance., especially in songs like ‘Defying Gravity,’ sending chills down my spine and eliciting goosebumps across my skin. Erivo truly embodied Elphaba in every sense.

     I don’t have much to complain about, with the film proving to be one of the best I’ve seen. However, the biggest thing that left me puzzled was the length—nearly three hours—yet it only covered half of the plotline. Just as the tension peaks with the anticipated fan-favorite performance of ‘Defying Gravity,’ the film ends on a cliffhanger, leaving audiences eager for the next half. Although the wait adds to the suspense, as the second part is set to be released almost exactly a year later, on Nov. 21 of 2025.

     All in all, the film was amazing. The music was breathtaking, the costumes were mesmerizing, and the entire cast delivered standout performances. The story definitely added a fresh, compelling perspective to the original The Wizard of Oz, helping to make it feel both familiar and entirely new. It’s the kind of movie that rewards multiple viewings, and leaves viewers wanting to go back to theaters just to watch it again. I hope to go back soon, myself. Without a doubt, it’s a must-see for any longtime Wicked or simply a The Wizard of Oz fan.