WICKED movie review (spoiler-free) | 2024 musical film starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande

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OHMYGOD HEY!

Tonight I attended an early screening of WICKED, the long-awaited film adaptation of the long-running, hugely popular stage musical currently seen both on Broadway and in the West End.

The 2024 feature film, which is the first in a two part series, has been directed by Jon M Chu and stars Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, pop star Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.

Check out today's brand new *spoiler-free* review video for my thoughts on the film, its aesthetics, its themes and its performances without the details that would prevent you from enjoying the experience for yourself when the film is released on November 22nd.

Remember to keep your thoughts spoiler-free in the comments section!

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00:00 | introduction
02:49 | overall thoughts
05:46 | visuals
07:43 | pre-criticisms
08:53 | themes
11:14 | music
13:39 | performances

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[allaboutmoxie]

Thank you for doing a spoiler-free review. The movie doesn't release here for another two weeks and I'm getting ready to dodge spoilers everywhere. This review just makes me more excited for the moment I finally get to see it.

[blackieblong]

I think people critical of how dark it is forget just how DARK Wizard of Oz got post-Emerald City.

[centralstudiosfilms]

14:14 so i think that she is only a supporting role in PART ONE. Because when you look at the structure of the musical, you see that Elphaba is the first act story and then she kind of dissipates and in the second act, it becomes Glinda's story.

Act 1: The Rise of the Wicked Witch of the West (how the title came along)

Act 2: The Rise of Glinda the Good Witch of the North (how the title came along)

However both witches need to be present for both acts because both characters, even when temporarily not present, are so crucial to each other's arks.

[planyourspoons]

Just returned from seeing an early screening tonight. All I'm going to say is that Ariana's performance was great however Cynthia Erivo's....expressiveness when she's not speaking...She's able to convey big emotions in very subtle ways that I deeply appreciated.

[ldbailey]

Screw the review. Can we talk about that amazing cardigan??❤

[gjford]

You are the only reviewer so far who has acknowledged overtly the specific layer of race as part of the differing being addressed in this film. I very much appreciate that you noticed the difference in the vibes of an Elphaba who is newly angry with being othered and an Elphaba who has over a lifetime devised survival strategies.

[disaidra]

I wish a proshot had been released already, because i think fans would have been a lot kinder and optimistic in the run up to this movie if they already had the stage show in rewatchable format. It would be a lot easier to treat the movie as it's own interpretation of the source material, as opposed to "the movie of the stage musical wicked"

[misskittylitteratx]

I was waiting for a review from someone who knew Theatre. Sounds like you loved it well enough for me to go give it a see. Super excited for it.

[amandasain]

From your descriptions of the changes between the stage and film versions, it sounds like they might have drawn inspiration from the novel for a lot of these. I find that pretty exciting as a lover of the book version of Wicked

[Pollo.a.la.crema.]

I wish the gay community flocked to the theaters for The Color Purple in the way they are with wicked, an actually queer musical flopping will forever make me bitter .

[JgmPaneque]

I had the chance to watch the Spanish premiere in Madrid last night and it was such a surreal experience. The cinematography is breautiful and the performances are just what you expect and demand from those top-notch wickedly talented (couldn't resist the pun) actors.
Also, for the Spanish version the songs were also dubbed into Spanish (which is not that usual) and the voiceover cast was surreal. I can't wait to watch the original version this weekend, though!

[malichi]

I worked on the amazing sets here where it was filmed in Borehamwood (Elstree) UK

[Jayscollo]

I went to see an early access screening last night. I’m a fan of the stage musical & the book and this is a perfect blend of both. A perfect adaptation of the musical! Great cast, amazing sets, the music sounds incredible! I enjoyed the little Easter eggs scattered about. I wasn’t happy when they announced this was coming out in 2 parts but I now I understand the vision of Jon M Chu, I trust the process & can’t wait to see part 2!!

[lexterminate]

I will be clocking out of work an hour early on Thursday night to go to a late late showing (10:40 pm - I work nights). I've never been more excited in my life.

[PS-DLMA]

I appreciate your Window Breaking acknowledgement haha

[shadowmoon]

I also liked the film a lot! As someone who loves the stage musical and the original Broadway soundtrack, it took me awhile to get used to Cynthia and Ariana’s calmer versions of their characters, but it fits the film version.

[juliakrystosek]

I was so skeptical that this was going to be good and now it's shaping up to be the first movie to lure me into an indoor movie theater since 2020 (I've caught some summer blockbusters at the drive-in)
The part of me that had a Wicked-themed 16th birthday party has awakened

[danski]

Cannot wait to see your complete review. Unfortunately, for health reasons, I am unable to see it in the theatres and will have to wait to purchase the Blu-Ray the second it is available, but I need to know all about it and I know you will review it so that if I close my eyes and listen to you talk it will be like I was watching it. Thank you for the amazing reviews you do.

[Bintaro]

I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to an early screening and I thoroughly agree with your points. Gorgeous film that's constantly entertaining. Cynthia and Ariana's takes on their respective characters make the film feels fresh even as a Wicked fan.

[emxemxem]

This was the first time I have ever seen a movie before a review embargo lifted, and what a treat! I thought it was excellent. Any criticisms from me felt really minor overall, which is very rare for me when seeing such a highly anticipated adaptation for the first time. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, too.!