‘Wicked: Part 1’ Review: Jon M. Chu’s Adaptation Defies Gravity

I remember seeing the first trailer for this. I feared that it would be another “sympathetic villain origin story”, like so many projects in recent years that Disney in particular has been guilty of churning out. However, after a bit more research I discovered the history behind this screen adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. But this is not a history lesson; it is a review. Considering the tremendous hype and praise for the film as well as the love for the musical, I bought a ticket.

I am happy to report that I walked out with a smile on my face. I enjoy a good musical, with The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain, Les Misérables, West Side Story and even Sweeney Todd all among my favorites. Even Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 2020 adaptation of Hamilton was catchy and enjoyable. But now we have Jon M. Chu at the helm, and this film benefits from this because he also directed 2021’s In the Heights. This is evidence that he knows how to give us an engaging story with numerous dance numbers that are not only essential in telling it, but are delightfully choreographed and earworms, thanks to the voice talents of all involved–especially the two female leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. So it’s safe to say that even if you are not familiar with the source material, you should find this a toe-tapping good time.

The story begins after the death of the green-skinned Wicked Witch, as the Munchkins celebrate. Glinda the Good Witch (Grande) confirms this fact. But one of them asks her if it’s true that the two women were once friends, and so we are guided back in time by her to the beginning. Everyone was horrified by the appearance of future Wicked Witch Elphaba (Erivo), even her parents, ever since she was born with green skin. Even at her birth, she unexpectedly showcases magic in a spontaneous burst, which further concerns them. Yet it is her paraplegic sister Nessarose who is sent off to Hogwarts–sorry, Shiz University in the Land of Oz for those with even small amounts of sorcery. Elphaba is only sent by her parents to take care of her sister. It is here that Galinda (as she is initially known) and her first “cross paths”, and after an unexpected display of magic Elphaba is personally invited by the Dean of Sorcery Studies (Michelle Yeoh) to attend her class. This causes no small amount of jealousy for Galinda, who has her own private suite–until she is assigned the green-skinned roommate. Her obsession with pink fashion reminded me of Reese Witherspoon’s Elle in Legally Blonde, even from her appearance to the Munchkins in the opening scene.

Yet the two could not be more different, even though they share a similar trait or two. Elphaba’s outward appearance may make her an outcast and cause her to be labeled a “freak”, but she has a kind heart and cares about others–even as she pretends to not care what they think. On the opposite end of the spectrum, within the first few minutes we discover that Glinda is narcissistic (“It’s good to see me, isn’t it?”), and is obsessed with outward beauty. Sure, she has some good qualities–many of which become more evident as their bond grows–but at the end of the day Glinda cares quite a bit about what others think about her. So it’s incredible that the two slowly strike up any kind of friendship at all. They have an entertaining duet “What Is This Feeling?”, in which they both talk about their “unadulterated loathing” towards each other.

Eventually the two travel to the Emerald City, and it is an impressive sight indeed. The CGI used in this film should be distracting but actually enhances the experience. Whether you are taking in the sights of the school, the forests, or the Land of Oz, it is spectacular. The cinematography from Alice Brooks, Nathan Crowley’s production design and Paul Tazewell’s costumes all make Chu’s vision a truly magical one. While I touched on this earlier, Stephen Schwartz’s songs are brought magnificently to life, and serve the purpose of any classic musical. They tell a story and there is plenty of variety to them, whether they are belted out by a larger ensemble, quietly introspective solos, or duets. Even though at times they threaten to crowd the film, the songs are catchy, and odds are that you will be humming them on the way home. Great examples include “The Wizard and I”, “Dancing Through Life”, and “Defying Gravity” (which is saved for last). The cast is also great: in addition to our two leads, Jeff Goldblum is clearly enjoying himself as The Wizard.

It’s surprising that the screenwriters Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox (who was responsible for the misfire Cruella) proved themselves so capable here. That said, this is only Part One of the story, and it will conclude next year with Part Two. Furthermore, this first half is two hours and forty minutes. By comparison, the entire Broadway show was finished after two-hours-and-forty-five minutes (including a fifteen-minute intermission). I should note that while the runtime of this film adaptation is demanding, it gives us plenty of room for character development and richer treatment of its multiple themes.

Caveats notwithstanding, Wicked: Part 1 should be a real crowd-pleaser this weekend. With a PG rating, it is suitable for all but the youngest Munchkins. It is irresistible, enchanting, and the songs and dance numbers will have you under its spell. I imagine that it should please die-hard fans of the source material, but even casual fans of musicals and fantastic storytelling should walk away satisfied. Not only is this one of the year’s best films, but I might even say it defies gravity.