*Wicked* is surely one of the [most highly anticipated films of 2024](https://mashable.com/article/2024-fall-movie-preview), bringing the cherished, three-time Tony Award-winning musical that shaped a generation of theater lovers to the cinema. Featuring a Hollywood-caliber spectacle of music, dance, and star talent, *Wicked* aims to reignite our faith in magic. The film narrates the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, from a standpoint of empathy. With a cast of stars that includes two-time Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo, pop icon Ariana Grande, *Bridgerton* heartthrob Jonathan Bailey, Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, and the legendary Jeff Goldblum, the film is helmed by Jon M. Chu (*Crazy Rich Asians*, *In the Heights*). However, given the high expectations set by the original Broadway show, can Chu produce a grand adaptation that satisfies fans—especially since he’s only addressing half of the narrative in *Wicked: Part 1*?
Even with the enthusiasm surrounding the film, online backlash has ensued since Universal Pictures unveiled initial images and clips. Some fans have voiced dissatisfaction with Chu’s rendition of Oz, labeling it as dull and devoid of the lively colors we’ve grown accustomed to from earlier adaptations of L. Frank Baum’s *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*, such as the 1939 classic *The Wizard of Oz*, 1978’s *The Wiz*, and the Broadway version of *Wicked*, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel. The inaugural teaser trailer also stirred concerns about Erivo’s interpretation of Elphaba, with certain fans honing in on her execution of a specific note. Furthermore, Chu’s choice to divide the musical into two films incited even more skepticism. So, were these apprehensions warranted? In many respects, yes.
Although the performances are generally exceptional, Chu makes several perplexing choices that lessen the emotional and visual resonance of the narrative, undermining the enchantment of the Broadway show and the viewpoint he tries to elevate.
### Where Does *Wicked: Part 1* Conclude?
As the trailers imply, *Wicked: Part 1* wraps up with the iconic “Defying Gravity,” a stirring anthem that functions as the climax of the first act in the stage version. Much of the film unfolds at Shiz University, where Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) initially encounter each other. The screenplay, crafted by Dana Fox and *Wicked*’s original book writer Winnie Holzman, remains faithful to its theatrical origins, commencing with the announcement that the Wicked Witch has perished. Following the munchkins’ celebration of her death with “No One Mourns the Wicked,” Glinda reflects on her bond with Elphaba, transitioning the film into a flashback of Elphaba’s troubled upbringing and her experiences at Shiz.
Grande injects an infectious vitality into the film, but this is where Chu’s artistic choices begin to falter. Even though the narrative centers on Elphaba, it’s presented from Glinda’s viewpoint, and her world is filled with bright pinks, ultra-feminine style, and extravagant flair. However, Chu bathes these vibrant hues in a dull, yellow-gray tint, perhaps to hint at Glinda’s eventual disenchantment with Oz. Regrettably, this decision renders the film visually dreary when set against other Oz interpretations.
This subdued color scheme is particularly conspicuous in the detailed settings for Shiz University, which ought to evoke magic and endless possibilities. Instead, despite the meticulous design, the cinematography feels cramped, transforming what should be a grand, whimsical backdrop into a constricted one. This visual monotony also influences the film’s musical sequences, sapping energy from what should be electrifying performances.
### Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo: Unevenly Matched
Assuming the roles of Elphaba and Glinda is no minor challenge, as both characters have been embodied by legendary actresses previously, from Margaret Hamilton and Billie Burke in *The Wizard of Oz* to Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in *Wicked*. Grande, better known for her pop career than her acting, faces particularly high standards. Nevertheless, she meets this challenge head-on, offering a humorous and engaging performance as the self-centered Glinda. Her interpretation echoes Chenoweth’s Glinda but adds a more refined and polished touch, making her comedic moments—like her exaggerated hair tosses—exceptionally impactful. Grande’s rendition of “Popular” is a highlight, finally capturing the frenetic energy that the number requires.
In contrast, Erivo approaches Elphaba with a more somber, dramatic flair. Traditionally, Elphaba has been depicted with a hint of sarcasm and humor, using wit as a defense mechanism against her bullies. Nonetheless, Erivo’s