Jon M. Chu, whose work in Crazy Rich Asians dazzled audiences with its lush visuals and heartfelt storytelling, and whose In the Heights earned critical acclaim even as its box office performance fell victim to the constraints of a day-and-date streaming release, steps into the director's chair for this long-awaited adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon. With Wicked, Chu faces his most monumental challenge yet: bringing one of the most beloved musicals of all time to life on the big screen. The stakes are high, and the expectations are immense, but from the first frame, this story is in capable hands.

The film opens with a swirl of color, music, and magic, immediately transporting viewers to a richly imagined Oz. This isn't the Kansas-adjacent world of The Wizard of Oz—it's a place alive with fantastical creatures, towering castles, and lush greenery, all brought to life through Chu's commitment to practical sets. From the sweeping halls of Shiz University to the glittering streets of the Emerald City, the production design grounds the fantastical in a tactile reality. The sets feel lived-in and meticulously crafted, giving the film a richness that CGI-heavy productions often lack and allowing the characters to inhabit the world fully.

At the center of this world are Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Galinda, two young women whose fates are intertwined in ways they can't yet imagine. The decision to cast Erivo and Grande in these iconic roles is bold, given the enormous shoes they have to fill. Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth's performances as Elphaba and Glinda in the original Broadway production are legendary, setting a high bar for any adaptation. In many Hollywood musicals, studios are tempted to cast the biggest box office draws rather than performers with the vocal chops to handle such demanding material. While the argument can be made that a pre-recorded medium allows for vocal performances to be manufactured in post-production, the results often feel disjointed, with the vocals and on-screen emotions failing to connect.

Thankfully, Chu avoids this pitfall, and the casting of Erivo and Grande beautifully bridges the worlds of pure vocal talent and commercial appeal. Grande, whose box office draw has yet to be tested, unquestionably has a massive global following, which could prove crucial to its success. But even more importantly, she delivers a vocal performance that matches the material. As Galinda easily handles the demanding score, her voice glides effortlessly through the trills and high notes that define the character. Grande marries technical precision with emotional depth from her playful "Popular" to the emotionally charged duets with Erivo, showcasing why her casting wasn't just a commercial move but an inspired one.

Erivo, meanwhile, is nothing short of extraordinary as Elphaba. A Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner, she is no stranger to delivering powerhouse vocal performances, and her work here is nothing less than breathtaking. Elphaba's songs are emotionally raw and vocally challenging, requiring a range from vulnerable ballads to defiant anthems. Erivo delivers on every level, with her rendition of "Defying Gravity" as a show-stopping triumph. It's the kind of performance that sends chills down your spine, carrying the weight of Elphaba's journey and leaving audiences in awe. Together, Erivoand Grande harmonize beautifully, their voices blending in a way that underscores the evolving friendship between their characters.

Surrounding Galinda are her loyal followers, led by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James as Shiz University's resident mean girls. Yang and James bring sharp humor to their roles, amplifying the Regina George-esque persona that Galinda initially embodies. Their biting asides and exaggerated cattiness add levity to the story's early moments, heightening the contrast between Galinda's polished exterior and the vulnerability she begins to reveal as the story unfolds.

The two young women start as reluctant roommates, their personalities clashing in ways that are both humorous and heartbreaking. Galinda is the picture of privilege, adored by everyone around her. At the same time, Elphaba is the perpetual outsider, burdened by a magical talent that seems more of a curse than a gift. Chu captures their dynamic with a light touch, letting their evolving friendship unfold naturally.

The story expands to include the injustices of Oz. Dr. Dillamond, a talking goat professor voiced with quiet gravitas by Peter Dinklage, becomes a key figure in Elphaba's awakening. His warnings about the rising discrimination against talking Animals—an allegory that resonates deeply in the current world—ignite Elphaba's sense of purpose. At the same time, Galinda is swept up in her own ambitions, seeking the favor of Michelle Yeoh's Madame Morrible, whose honeyed words hide her sinister intentions. Yeoh brings an elegance to the role, her performance a slow reveal of the power dynamics at play.

The film takes time with these relationships, weaving in humor, heartbreak, and discovery. A love triangle emerges with the arrival of Fiyero, played by Jonathan Bailey, with charm and easy confidence. Both women are drawn to him in different ways, their affections further complicating their already intricate dynamic.

But at its heart, Wicked is the story of two women finding their voices. One of the film's most moving scenes comes when Elphaba enters a room to yet another round of awkward silence and begins to dance. This time, Galinda steps forward, breaking the tension, and begins to mirror Elphaba's dance, her fingers grazing the tears descending Elphaba's cheek. It's a scene that speaks volumes without dialogue, a testament to Chu's direction and the performers' chemistry.

And oh, the music. Erivo and Grande are stellar, their voices soaring through Stephen Schwartz's iconic score. "Defying Gravity," the climactic number that ends the film, is a triumph of performance and direction. Erivo delivers a powerful rendition that the entire movie has been building to. When Elphaba takes flight, the audience is with her, swept up in the emotion and spectacle.

Chu's direction balances the intimate and the extravagant, with the production design, costumes, and cinematography all working together to create a world that feels alive. The practical sets, paired with intricate choreography, shine brightest when Chu pulls the camera back to showcase the full scope of the production design. Moments like the ensemble's sweeping movements during "Dancing Through Life" or the visually stunning "One Short Day" sequence in the Emerald City are some of the film's biggest highlights, brimming with energy and visual wonder. However, the film occasionally leans too heavily on medium shots and close-ups, particularly during key solos, making the performances feel slightly constrained when they cry out for a more prominent visual scope. When Chu allows the camera to take in the full grandeur of the choreography and sets, the film truly soars.

At 160 minutes, the film covers the first act of the Broadway musical, ending at the natural intermission point with Elphaba's ascension into the air. It's a bold decision to split Wicked into two parts, one that may test the patience of audiences who crave a complete narrative. Likely mindful of the backlash faced by recent two-part films like Rebel Moon, Horizon, and even Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, Universal has avoided overtly marketing Wicked as "Part One." This reluctance is understandable—audiences today are less willing to commit to a fragmented story—but it also feels like a gamble. While the film ends at a natural break, the fact that audiences will have to endure, essentially, a year-long intermission before getting to the second half may leave some viewers frustrated. Still, as the screen fades to black on Elphaba's triumphant declaration of independence, it's hard to feel anything but anticipation for what's to come.

Jon M. Chu has crafted something special. Wicked is more than a musical adaptation—it celebrates friendship, identity, and the courage to stand out in a world that demands conformity. With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande leading the charge, the film soars, defying not just gravity but the expectations of what a Hollywood musical can be. It's a story that begins as an exploration of two women at odds and transforms into a tale of unity, setting the stage for the second chapter of their journey—a chapter that, if this film is any indication, promises to be just as extraordinary.

— 4 / 5 ⭐