Wicked is currently being recognized as the cinematic adaptation of the year, soaring beyond the heights of our wildest imaginations. This film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical debuting in 2003, Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz, takes us on a whirlwind journey through the land of Oz, unraveling the lengthy history of the witches from an eye-opening, different perspective. Each element of this film, from the performances to the visuals, has been beautifully crafted to create an experience that is nothing short of magical.

Ariana Grande’s performance as ‘Galinda’ is simply enchanting. She brings that endearing bubbly charm of hers, while simultaneously projecting a nuanced depth to the character, that makes Galinda both graceful and complex. Grande’s vocal prowess shines in her musical numbers, hitting not only her infamous high notes with ease, but also delivering a perfect soprano opera-styled number in the song “No One Mourns the Wicked.” The raw emotion in her singing just gives the audience the perfect window into the scenes she guides us through. Her portrayal intricately captures the essence of Galinda’s journey from a seemingly superficial girl to a woman of substance and empathy.

Cynthia Erivo, on the other hand, does not take the delicate route and delivers a powerhouse performance as ‘Elphaba’. Her portrayal is intense, heartfelt, and deeply moving, bringing a raw vulnerability to the misunderstood green witch. Erivo’s voice is a force of nature, and her rendition of “Defying Gravity” is jaw-dropping. She embodies Elphaba’s strength, resilience, and heart, bringing us into the side of her character this story aches to defend. No one is better fit for the role of Elphaba than Erivo, no one seems to truly feel Elphie the way she has throughout this movie’s development. She did exactly what she intended to do when taking on an outcasted, misread girl.

The visuals in Wicked are a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors, intricate set designs, and stunning special effects transport viewers straight into the heart of Oz. Each scene is carefully crafted, from the whimsical beauty of Munchkinland, to the deceiving, foreboding halls of the Emerald City. The seamless blend of practical effects and CGI creates a world for the audience to join that feels both fantastical and tangible, making the magic of Oz come alive on screen.

Obviously, the widely loved soundtrack of Wicked is a symphony of emotions, with each song perfectly capturing the essence of the story and the characters. Composer Stephen Schwartz really proved himself with this production. His compositions are a masterful blend of haunting melodies and uplifting anthems, each lyric resonating with a depth that stays with you long after the music stops. The varying setlist gives us songs like “Popular”, which since on the surface seems like a bubbly, catchy tune, is a perfect example of the layered messages presented in each song’s lyrics. “Popular” is a witty, insightful commentary on societal expectations and the superficiality of popularity, all delivered with a charming dose of humor and sass. These songs do not just support the narrative; they elevate it. They add the captivating levels of emotion and complexity, that turn this remarkable story into an unforgettable experience.

At its core, Wicked is a story about acceptance, development, bonds, and the courage to stand up for what is right. The film dives into themes of prejudice, the complexity of good, evil, and where they overlap, and the freedom of not caring what others think. Therefore, it challenges viewers to look beyond appearances and to understand the deeper truths that lie within. The beautiful message of Wicked is both timeless and timely, making it a poignant and connecting film for all ages.

I, more than anything, recommend dedicating two hours and forty-one minutes of your life to seeing this film in theaters. Let yourself feel with those surrounding you and those we had crafted and given to us from this movie. See it twice, take it all in again with more of a keen eye for things you may have missed. Love it in its entirety, as you should yourself.