Wicked is one of the year’s best films. Period. End of sentence.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is set in the world of Oz and tells the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a young woman with unusual green skin. As she brings her sister to her first day at Shiz University, Elphaba’s unexpected show of magical power leads to her own enrolment as well. But, as things are looking up for her, Elphaba is forced to room with Glinda (Ariana Grande), a popular young woman of privilege and ambition who instantly clashes with her. As the two learn to look past their differences, they find themselves on a journey that will lead them to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and discover a secret that will test the depth of their friendship.
Admittedly, it can be very difficult to produce popular stage productions onscreen. Every adapted screenplay offers its own sets of challenges and it can be difficult to bring a vision of fan favourite musicals to life in satisfying ways. Sometimes, this can mean lengthening a film with new material to fill up the runtime, such as the recent live action The Little Mermaid. In others, the original simply doesn’t work onscreen. (I’m looking at you, Cats.) And, when word began to spread that Chu’s production would clock in at almost three hours without the second half, fans grew understandably nervous.
But Chu resists all of these potential impulses. Instead of padding his film with unnecessary new songs or side stories, he simply allows the film to breathe. By simply making use of what cinema has to offer, Chu increases the length in ways that feel entirely necessary. No longer limited to the stage, action sequences are given their proper due. Even popular dance routines and musical numbers feel more epic, increasing their length without wearing out their welcome. Chu even resists the temptation of adding the traditional ‘one new number’ so that the film could qualify for ‘Best Song’ at the Oscars.
However, even the best direction couldn’t make a film like this work without strong casting. What’s more, any potential Glinda and Elphaba would inevitably be immediately judged in the shadows of Broadway icons, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the roles. Even for those that had yet to see the play live, it’s their voices that anchor the soundtrack on every Spotify playlist. Even so, in Erivo and Grande, Chu manages to find two voices that not only live up to the originals, they may even surpass them in moments. (For many, that statement will be heresy.) However, one cannot help but be impressed by, not only their singing voices, but their performances as well.
Unlike the pressures of live theatre, Chu’s film puts an incredible emphasis on the eyes of his performers. This is not generally a problem when trying to project from the stage but here, every song and interaction weighs heavily on what they say with their facial expressions. And that makes their characters feel even more moving. As Elphaba, viewers feel the heart and soul behind Erivo’s eyes as she attempts to navigate the racial biases of her fellow students. At the same time, Grande keeps her glares simple (and, at moments, almost vapid) as she highlights the shallow nature of Glinda’s world.
But even then, the true reason that Wicked has always worked is due to its belief in the good of others. With films like Cruella, Joker and Venom crowding our screens in recent years, it’s easy to forget that Wicked was one of the earliest revisionists takes on a major film. When Wicked was first released, the idea of one of Hollywood’s most iconic villains being ‘misunderstood’ was a relatively new concept. (Though, it’s worth noting that the Star Wars prequels had also begun around the same time.)
But Wicked has always gone a little bit deeper. There are themes of battling white privilege, racial injustice and environmental care, all ideas which have only gained in prominence over the two decades since its release. But, most importantly of all, the film speaks to the concept of grace. Wicked is a story that reminds the viewer to take note of the stories of others. Elphaba’s journey isn’t one of redemption. Instead, it’s one of understanding. Hers is a journey that speaks to the outsiders who struggle to find their voice (no pun intended) in a world that values sameness. In short, Elphaba’s green skin speaks to anyone who feels like society is working against them.
And it continues to resonate to this day.
Thankfully, Chu understands what makes Wicked special and he lets his characters soar. Every directorial decision seems pointed at bringing the film’s themes to the forefront. (In fact, in one brief moment, Chu even allows Erivo to show her natural skin tone, bringing the film’s racial context to the forefront.) There is poignancy to moments that require it and playfulness in others. This is the sort of stunning Hollywood musical that feels reminiscent of classic cinema yet still never feels hemmed in by nostalgia. It’s progressive, powerful and perfect.
And, because of this, it’s also bound to be absolutely popular.
Wicked is available in theatres on Friday, November 22nd, 2024.
