“Wicked,” the film adaptation of the legendary Broadway musical and novel of the same name, is a sensational and heart-full work of art by director Jon M. Chu.
The film stars renowned actress Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp, a green-skinned girl with magical capabilities, and iconic musician Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland, a charming blonde who forms an unlikely friendship with Elphaba.
This film is projected to earn roughly $263 million, which will effectively break a 46-year-old box office record, making the movie the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation of all time at the domestic box office since “Grease” in 1978.
In addition to the fiscal success, the film is already generating Oscar buzz and critical acclaim. It could receive nominations for best picture, best costume design, and several other categories. Erivo and Grande could receive nominations in the best lead actress and best supporting actress categories respectively.
It isn’t without reason that the film has become such a groundbreaking success and has received such positive appraisal.
Pairing profound themes and compelling characters with exciting music, the movie keeps the audience gripped all the way through its nearly three-hour runtime. The movie beautifully delivers an immersive and captivating experience for the viewer.
Erivo exceeds all expectations, no matter how high they might be. Erivo’s vocals carry so much power and deep emotion that it is practically impossible not to feel choked up numerous times throughout the film. Grande does an equally phenomenal job, displaying her flexibility and convincing all doubters that she is not only a legendary vocalist but a genuine and gifted actress.
Both Grande and Erivo portray Glinda and Elphaba beautifully, all while including their own personal touches to the roles.
Grande’s version of “Popular” includes an alternate ending with key changes, and Erivo used her hands to gesture and express emotion while singing, something previous actresses who played Elphaba didn’t include in their performances.
The Broadway musical is two hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. “Wicked’s” two-hour and forty-minute runtime has shocked fans. However, the time flies by. This film is such a joy to experience that it truly feels like the metric of time disappears entirely.
“Wicked” fans have expressed relief that Chu managed to create such a captivating and wonderful film that not only accomplished everything it set out to but raised expectations for musical films altogether.
This film is truly an experience, and seeing it in theaters is the optimal viewing method. The colorful sets and the gorgeous costuming stand out stunningly on a large screen.
The amazing music and the captivating vocals cause the viewers to feel an intense surge of emotion that sends chills down their spine.
Viewers are falling in love and connecting with the characters through the lively and emotional storytelling, making it difficult to leave the theater without thinking about the film for days afterward.
