The highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked offers a magical cinematic experience. Directed by Jon M Chu, known for his visually stunning projects such as Step Up and Crazy Rich Asians, Wicked seamlessly blends its fantasy roots with musical storytelling, enhanced by stellar performances and breathtaking visuals.

Wicked reimagines the iconic world of The Wizard of Oz from the perspectives of two unlikely friends: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the misunderstood green-skinned girl who eventually embraces the title Wicked Witch, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), the popular and seemingly perfect good witch. The story explores their complex relationship, starting with their school days at Shiz University. It delves into themes such as friendship, power, greed and love. The film chronicles their journey, which leads them to opposing sides in a conflict between the Wizard and the Land of Oz.

Ariana and Cynthia shine as the leads and harmonize beautifully to portray the dichotomy of good and evil. Ariana brings a playful, almost mean Barbie energy to Glinda, fully embodying her character with effortless charm. She dances and spins like a dream. Her comedic timing and vocal prowess are particularly impressive in songs like Popular.

Here’s the trailer:

Cynthia, on the other hand, captures Elphaba’s emotional depth, hitting all the right notes, both musically and emotionally. Based on her Broadway experience, she knows how to reach the musical highlights with precision and leave you choked more than once with her moving performance. She conveys both vulnerability and defiance, excels in emotional depth and showcases her powerful vocals.

Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), known for his role in Bridgerton, brings charisma and warmth to his performance. His chemistry with Cynthia is both flirty and authentic, making their scenes a pure joy to watch. His dancing and carefree energy lights up the screen. Michelle Yeoh’s nuanced performance enhances the story, and her commanding presence sets the stage for pivotal scenes.

One of the film’s standout scenes takes place in the Oz Ball, which serves as the emotional core of the film. In this scene, Glinda (Ariana) and Elphaba (Cynthia) reach a breaking point in their rivalry, teetering on the edge of understanding and hinting at the complexity of their friendship.

The film immerses you in the land of Oz with its stunning visuals and cinematography, complemented by a carefully curated tracklist that enhances every mood. The standout songs – I’m Not That Girl, Popular and Defying Gravity – are emotionally resonant and expertly performed. The visuals and choreography are breathtaking. However, shortening one or two songs could have shortened the runtime. With his experience in making visually dynamic films, Chu seamlessly integrates music, dance and fantasy.

The first half flows effortlessly and captivates viewers with its pace and emotional depth. Although the second half lasts a little longer than necessary, it does not significantly detract from the overall experience.

With its perfect blend of fantasy, emotion and music, Wicked is a triumph. It captures the essence of the original stage production while turning it into a new cinematic experience.

Prepare for tears, laughter and pure enchantment as Wicked casts its spell on the big screen.

Wicked will hit theaters in India on November 22, 2024.

4 out of 5 stars for Wicked.