My quick rating – 7.5/10. I was quite pleased to see this flick bring the land of Oz to life in a dazzling and beautifully realized way, crafting a compelling backstory that adds depth to the classic Wizard of Oz lore. The film follows the unlikely friendship between the green-skinned, misunderstood Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and the bubbly, aristocratic Galinda (Ariana Grande) as they navigate their destinies at Shiz University, eventually transforming into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. The joke here did get dragged out a bit too much LOL.
Visually, the world of Oz looks absolutely stunning, with rich production design, breathtaking costumes, and seamless CGI that enhances the magic rather than overwhelming it. It’s no surprise the film received Oscar nominations for its visuals and sound design—every scene is meticulously crafted to pull us deeper into this enchanting world.
The cast is another major highlight. Erivo brings a quiet intensity and confidence to Elphaba, while Grande fully embodies the self-centered yet charming Galinda (later Glinda), making for a dynamic duo that carries much of the film’s emotional weight. Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz is a perfect casting choice—his signature charisma and enigmatic presence add layers to the character. And, of course, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible is simply fantastic, as she always is.
The film also excels at weaving in elements of Wizard of Oz while still standing on its own, giving more depth to familiar characters and their journeys. The musical numbers, while impressive in scope and execution, weren’t necessarily my thing (musicals peaked at Little Shop of Horrors for me), but they serve the film well and will undoubtedly please fans of the genre.
One minor drawback is the runtime—I found it slightly too long, though the pacing is generally strong. I was also caught off guard that this was only Part One (guess I’ve been living under a rock), but that only speaks to how invested I was in the story.
Overall, Wicked is a well-made, captivating adaptation that does justice to its source material while creating a unique vision of Oz. It’s deserving of the praise and award recognition, and even for those who aren’t die-hard musical fans, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Amazon along with a list of streamers are airing this for the upcoming Oscars.
What were your thoughts on the length, was it too long or was that just me?