‘Wicked': Part I’, A Musical Spectacle that Defies Gravity

After fourteen years in the making, the live-action film adaptation of the 2003 musical “Wicked” is finally hitting the silver screen, and let us just tell you, the world isn’t ready for how good this film is. Film musicals may have seen some dark days at the box office but that’s all about to change with this. “Wicked” has been changing people for good in theaters with its wonderful stage productions, and it’s about to do the same for moviegoers everywhere.
Prior to its local release on Nov. 22, The Beat Asia got to attend the special advanced screening at the SM Aura IMAX theatre last Nov. 16, and here’s an honest review of why we think this film is one for the books.
Heads up: spoilers ahead!
About ‘Wicked’: Friendships, Magic, and Conspiracy
For the uninitiated, “Wicked” is based on the award-winning musical written by Stephen Schwartz, which in turn was based on a revisionist book series by Gregory Maguire called, “The Wicked Years” that takes audiences back to the wonderful land of Oz. But way back before Dorothy from Kansas set foot on its famed Yellow Brick Road.
“Wicked” is a reimagined backstory of the witches from the original “Wizard of Oz,” centering on Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the misunderstood, green-skinned girl who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with Glinda (Ariana Grande), the bubbly pink-loving Good witch. The two met at Shiz University where they ended up as roommates when Elphaba was offered to study sorcery after her talents were discovered by the university’s esteemed headmistress, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). Elphaba’s original purpose for being at the university was to look after her disabled sister, Nessa Rose (Marissa Bode), as ordered by her father.

The musical explores themes of prejudice, power, and the complexities of good versus evil, and offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale as “Wicked” views Oz, its inhabitants, and the famed Wizard, through a darker and perhaps — greener lens. Through the story, we see that the feared and hated wicked witch isn’t so wicked after all, and just like any human, has been shaped by circumstances and choices.
The 2024 film showed much respect toward the musical and retained its foundations and structure. In other words, it stayed loyal to the book. However, Jon M. Chu, the director of the film, made it seem like we were experiencing the film for the first time, creating something different and more in-depth, and giving us more time to explore these beloved characters and evaluate the situations they’re put in.
It made sense that they chose to split it into two parts, because not only does it give people more time to absorb each dazzling song number but also allows them to fully understand each character arc from a closer perspective. Not to mention also get to know some of the other supporting characters like the handsome Winkie prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), and even the munchkin Boq (Ethan Slater), who all played crucial roles in Elphaba and Glinda’s story.
All the Rizz in Shiz: A Symphony of Sound, Image, and Movement
Comparing the film and the stage musical would be “like apples to oranges,” as Cynthia herself stated in an interview because it’s its own thing. We believe this movie is an homage to the show and the book but also created something new and slightly different from what people have seen before.
One of the fears fans have when it comes to film adaptations is that most of them don’t truly live up to their expectations. And with a musical like “Wicked” which has garnered a large fan base and following, people have massive expectations.
When we first heard about the film being produced, the first question was who could top the original Broadway leads, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth? The priority for the film was to have its main actors be able to sing really well.
Cynthia Erivo gained popularity when she starred in the Broadway revival of “The Color Purple” and was known for her stellar vocals and stage presence. To have an actual Broadway actress be cast for Elphaba’s role was a win and lessened fans’ worries because we were sure “Defying Gravity” was getting a killer rendition.


When Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda, however, people had mixed reactions. There’s no doubt that Ariana has one of the most gorgeous voices out there, but people knew her as a pop singer and fans immediately assumed she would pop-ify those beloved show tunes. It's worth noting, however, that before Ariana became a pop icon, she got her start in theatre and performed in various productions when she was young, including “The Wizard of Oz.” She began her professional career on Broadway when she appeared in the musical “13” at just fifteen years old before gaining popularity for her acting role in the Nickelodeon television series, “Victorious.”
As we watched these two actresses in action during the film, it was clear that they were made for their roles. From the opening scene, Ariana captivated us with her operatic vocals, to the last few shots as Cynthia gave a thrilling performance when she soared through the sky while belting out to “Defying Gravity,” they were a match made in musical heaven. They complemented each other so well and their harmonies were so on point.

Since we’re already talking about the music, “Wicked” has some of the best theatre songs out there and this film gave it justice and more. Every time this movie does something incredible that leaves you smiling and gawking in awe, it immediately tops itself with another electrifying moment. It’s a never-ending cycle of one spectacular scene after the next, making it a non-stop celebration of magic and wonder.
Some of our favorites included Elphaba’s sad girl ballad, “I’m Not That Girl,” which was heart-wrenching and one of those moments when we are reminded that her character despite all her power and green-ness is just like any other girl (falling for men we can’t have); the poppy "Popular" makeover song which Ariana hit out of the park; "What Is This Feeling?" and it's hilarious and impressive montage; and of course, the hair-rising soaring solo, "Defying Gravity."
The movie also boasted a stunning diverse lineup of supporting cast members, which we applaud! Jonathan Bailey played Fiyero splendidly and made us all swoon with his teasing gazes and swagger as he danced his way into our lives, while Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum were fantastic as Madame Morrible and the Wizard, bringing the characters to life on screen and allowing them to flourish in their own way. We also saw Marissa Bode's film debut as she made history as the first wheelchair user to play Nessa Rose.

Apart from the stellar cast and incredible musical numbers, a noteworthy element of the film is the set design and costumes. Shiz University was unlike any school you’ve ever seen, nestled on glittering blue waves. It was indeed like a palace by the sea. From the fortress limestone exteriors and colorful stained glass hanging ornaments to the cozy dormitories and the clockwork mechanics of the library (our personal favorite!), it was every bit magical as expected of a school in Oz.
The costumes were vibrant and designed with strange shapes and features that somehow made it more Oz-like, embodying each character like a second skin. Glinda’s bubbly and cheerful personality shined through her pink dresses detailed with frills, sparkles, and a massive amount of tulle, while the citizens of the Emerald City wore varying shades of green with complementing hues like yellow, blue, and pink, which we thought gave the visual aspect of that scene more depth.
We noticed that Jon’s cinematography style focused on many close-up shots, which proved effective in many of the emotional scenes. The part where Elphaba and Glinda danced at the Ozdust Ballroom was truly moving and one we’d consider the heart of the film.
However, there were some scenes where we wished the director opted for wider shots, like in “One Short Day” as Glinda and Elphaba explored the Emerald City. While seeing the set details up close provided a unique perspective, the entire set was so grand and spectacular that we wished we could’ve seen more of it from a wider perspective.
The comedic relief between scenes was also on point, an important element in the musical as was popular for being equal parts moving and hilarious. We were delighted to see some of the production’s iconic lines given a fresh take.
Final Verdict
“Wicked” is one of the few Broadway musical adaptations done right. Musical adaptations haven’t seen much success at the box office in recent years, so if there’s one movie that can revive the genre, it’s this one. The film is refreshing without straying far from the source material. Plus tt doesn’t matter if you don’t particularly like musicals, the film’s themes of friendship, standing up for what’s right, and taking the reins to your own destiny are something everyone can relate to and resonate with.
This movie is the musical spectacular everyone has been waiting for and is without a doubt the musical event of the year. The only thing we didn’t like about it is — unlike when watching the stage production — you won’t be able to see Act Two 'til next year. The wait will be agonizing, but surely with how the first one turned out, it’ll be worth it.
So we implore you, run — no, fly — and see this movie once it’s out.
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