Wicked: Part I (2024) – Complete Review – WorldFree4u

Synopsis

The movie follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a gifted but ostracized young woman with green skin, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a bubbly and ambitious socialite, as they navigate their time at Shiz University in the magical Land of Oz. What begins as a tentative friendship grows into a deeply complex relationship, tested by their contrasting ideologies and a life-altering encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum).

The story balances its fantastical elements with poignant themes of prejudice, identity, and the moral ambiguity of power. The narrative’s emotional depth is heightened by the central friendship, which evolves from comedic clashes to a heartbreaking divergence.

Performances

Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is nothing short of extraordinary. Her nuanced performance captures Elphaba’s vulnerability, courage, and inner turmoil, making her journey profoundly relatable. Vocally, Erivo’s renditions of iconic songs like “Defying Gravity” and “The Wizard and I” are show-stopping, leaving an indelible mark.

Ariana Grande shines as Glinda, blending charm and a surprising depth of character into her role. Her comedic timing brings lightness to the story, while her performance of “Popular” is as delightful as it is memorable. Grande’s chemistry with Erivo brings an authentic emotional core to the film.

Jeff Goldblum’s portrayal of the Wonderful Wizard adds an intriguing layer to the story. His whimsical yet subtly menacing demeanor keeps the audience guessing about his true intentions.

Direction and Visuals

Jon M. Chu’s directorial vision breathes new life into the world of Oz. The movie’s visuals are a feast for the eyes, with lush, colorful landscapes juxtaposed against darker, more haunting settings. The seamless integration of CGI and practical effects enhances the fantastical elements without overshadowing the story.

Chu also excels in choreographing the musical numbers, transforming each song into a dynamic and visually arresting spectacle. From the grandeur of “Defying Gravity” to the playful whimsy of “What is This Feeling?”, every number feels like a masterpiece.

Music and Score

The film stays true to Stephen Schwartz’s original Broadway score while adding subtle cinematic flourishes. The orchestrations are richer, the harmonies fuller, and the music resonates beautifully in this new medium. Fans of the musical will appreciate the faithfulness to the source material, while newcomers will find themselves spellbound by the melodies.

Strengths

• Stellar performances by the lead cast.
• Visually captivating and immersive production design.
• Faithful yet innovative adaptation of the musical score.
• A compelling blend of humor, heart, and drama.

Weaknesses

The film’s split into two parts leaves some storylines unresolved, creating a sense of incompleteness. While it builds anticipation for Part II, it may frustrate viewers who prefer a more self-contained narrative.