Wicked – Film Review
by Fran Winston

Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Starring:  Cynthia Erivo,  Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum

In cinemas Friday November 22

Having been in some form of development for around two decades the phrase eagerly anticipated is probably an understatement for this film. Based on the stage musical of the same name, which in turn is based on the book by Gregory Maguire, it serves as a prequel of sorts to the much-loved 1939 classic movie The Wizard Of Oz. It tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West before she was the dastardly creature made famous by that technicolor delight.

I read the book shortly after it was released in 1995 and was honestly surprised when it was announced they were turning it into a musical. Suffice it to say the novel is much darker than the theatre production and has a lot of significant differences. Despite this both versions deal with a lot of heavy issues like equality, racism and acceptance while focusing on the friendship between Elphaba, later to become the Wicked Witch, and Galinda, who will grow into the Glinda the Good Witch.

Since the OG actors – Idina Menzel and Kirstin Chenoweth – have aged out of the roles the leads are played here by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. They have fabulous chemistry together as they get off to a rocky start before becoming firm friends after meeting at Shiz University. Erivo not only has the pipes for the role of Elphaba but she also brings a pathos to the part that isn’t always obvious in the stage productions. Her numerous close-ups convey the character’s stubbornness, hurt and vulnerability in adversity. Grande too has a fabulous voice and makes the role her own rather than imitating those who have gone before her.

As for the rest of the cast, they are footnotes with many of them making fleeting appearances as their main scenes are in the second part of the movie. Yes, you heard me right.

I have seen the stage production several times and it is fantastic and runs for about two hours 45 minutes with an interval. That is just five minutes longer than this big screen version – and this is only part one. They drop the curtain, so to speak, at the end of what is Act 1, but yet manage to make it significantly longer.

Chu has taken advantage of big-screen magic to expand the world of the show. This includes bringing back some elements of Maguire’s book which didn’t make the original stage version, which I thought was a lovely touch. The sets are stunning and there are plenty of nods in deference to the original source material. The musical numbers are completely amped up and the costumes are amazing, particularly Galinda’s wardrobe which would put Kim Kardashian to shame.

However, the fact it finishes at such a crucial point in the story means it is left hanging. I am familiar with the show and still found myself wondering “Is that it?” For those who don’t know the show, they will more than likely feel dissatisfied. It all feels a bit self-indulgent. I genuinely see no reason why they couldn’t have created a spectacle and still told the whole story in one part.  It will be the same time next year before part two arrives on screen and you have to wonder will people still care.

While this has some wonderful moments and looks amazing it all feels a little drawn out and it is hard to imagine they will be able to keep the publicity momentum going for twelve months. The hardcore fans will love it but it is likely to frustrate anyone outside of that demographic.