(Wikimedia Commons)

As someone who has experienced the magic of Wicked on Broadway, I wondered if the movie could  capture the world of Oz, and to my surprise, it does the musical justice.  

Structured around the cast of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, who bring the first act to life, the film depicts how Elphaba gradually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West and follows her experience in Shiz University, where she was outcast because of her green skin – then shows how the gradual friendship forms between Elphaba and her roommate Glinda and the sympathy she feels for the animals being discriminated against in Oz. Madame Morrible mentors Elphaba and invites her to meet the Wizard of Oz but ends up with Elphaba realizing the Wizard does not want to help the animals, instead he is the reason for their discrimination. The movie has one act  and ends on a cliffhanger to keep fans awaiting the second movie, which will depict Act II when it come to theaters in November 2025.

The music and visuals of the film did not disappoint. Specifically, songs like “Defying gravity” highlight the incredible voices of the cast members. The set for the movie is also full of spectacular images of Shiz and the Emerald City that transport the viewers into the land of Oz and bring the vision from broadway to life. 

This movie captures the Broadway show and the world of Oz beautifully. It is a film that any Wicked or theater fan should watch.