Broadway-style singing, classically layered production and outstanding vocal performances from co-stars Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) make the blockbuster musical Wicked exceptional. Released on Nov. 22, the film — the first of a two-part story, the second of which is set to come out in late 2025 — dances and sings its way into its position as one of the best big-budget musicals in recent years. With a Golden Globe win, Director Johnathon Chu sets a spectacular precedent for cinematic Broadway musical adaptations.
The beating heart of any musical is the soundtrack, and Wicked does not disappoint. “The Wizard and I” is the third record we see in the film, highlighted by Erivo’s Broadway singing and paired with a dramatic backtrack that builds with the song. The piece is gravitational, captivating and energetic. The masterful camerawork by Director of Photography Alice Brooks utilizes quick action shots, high-tempo movement and warm hues to match the song’s hopeful energy. It enhances the viewing experience, creating an overall showpiece.
The seventh song is Grande’s big number, “Popular.” With bubbly, bright pink set pieces, Grande’s cutesy charm shines through in full. Paired against Erivo’s more powerful vocals, Grande’s soft voice captures the naive, delicate essence of Glinda. “Popular” also features an effervescent backtrack, lush with piano and violins. Grande shows off her musical talent once again with numerous vocal and tonal shifts.
The following song is another Erivo masterpiece, “I’m Not That Girl.” Piano once again underscores the instrumentation, and Erivo delivers a heart-throbbing performance at one of the film’s emotional peaks. Erivo’s once commanding tone has been stripped away in favor of melancholy and somber, displaying not just vocal range but acting prowess as well. Again, the cinematography elevates the song. With a dark set piece covered in uncomfortable blues and harsh greens, the background betrays Elphaba’s bottled-up emotions.
Erivo shines again in the climactic “Defying Gravity,” the musical’s premiere number. The song’s multiple starts and stops generate tension as the anticipation for the choral payoff builds, and the chorus itself is well produced and worth the suspense. With jazzy undertones from the bass drum and a classical orchestral overtone, the piece is an example of the production team’s innovative artwork and a testament to their tremendous creativity.
A classic story revitalized by powerful and creative music, Wicked is a 160-minute emotional roller coaster. The film makes evident that when it comes to great musicals, this one doesn’t just follow the yellow brick road. Instead, it paves its own path to greatness — a path vibrant in pink and green.
