📽 Jon M. Chu successfully translates Broadway to the silver screen with Wicked. The beloved musical has received an adaptation worthy of its fame, giving audiences a profound and visually stunning reimagining of the origins of Oz’s most famous witches. Beyond the viral clip of the two protagonists, Wicked has the makings of an iconic addition to American cinema.

ICYMI: Stephen Schwartz’s musical explores the unlikely friendship between Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), which turns from rivalry to a surprisingly profound connection. Beginning at Shiz University, the film traces the complex social dynamics that shape their individual paths that transform them into the characters we know from L. Frank Baum’s 1900 classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Cynthia Erivo’s performance as Elphaba is nothing short of transformative. She brings extraordinary depth and vulnerability to the misunderstood green-skinned witch, capturing both her initial vulnerability and her growing strength and conviction. Her rendition of the legendary song Defying Gravity is a show-stopping moment that not only showcases her incredible vocal range, but will likely become a landmark in film musical history.

The film’s visual design was a point of contention for some, especially compared to the 1939 technicolor screen adaptation of the book, but ultimately, the world of Oz is brought to life with meticulous detail and beauty. The costume design particularly stands out, with Glinda and Elphaba’s outfits simultaneously faithful to the musical’s iconic look but also cinematically innovative.

The decision to split the story into two parts means that the first installment feels somewhat incomplete, which has frustrated audience members — fans of the musical and newcomers alike — looking for a fully resolved narrative. The pacing can also occasionally feel uneven, especially in the earlier sections where the complex backstory of the characters is being established.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can find Wicked Part One screening at VOX Cinemas at City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, Cima Arkan, Cairo Festival City, Citystars cinemas, and Scene Cinema at District 5.

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