Wicked is the latest film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical of the same name. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. In Wicked we follow the story of how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of The West in The Wizard of Oz. It’s truly a story of outsiders and acceptance that feels very timely.

I want to start off by saying that I am not too familiar with the story of Wicked and the film was my introduction to it. There’s a lot to discuss and appreciate to what Jon Chu is able to accomplish in this film. The immersive world that Chu and his team bring forth will leave you in awe. You truly feel like the world of Oz has been brough to life and makes you feel so immersed in the story. There’s a couple of scenes where the film does feel a bit underwhelming in terms of lighting, with it being a bit washed out and the picture can feel underexposed. However, I think the strengths outweigh the weaker parts in terms of color. A lot of these scenes just pop out at you and it’s such a rich and vibrant world that we see.

Cynthia Erivo is someone I’ve seen before in other work such as The Outsider and Harriet. I’ve always believed she is a great actress and singer but in Wicked she does something different. The magnitude and electricity she brings to Elphaba is unparallel to anything I’ve seen all year. Cynthia really captures the loneliness and drive that can be tricky to convey for a character. Elphaba from the moment she breaks into the screen is truly a star. There’s a musical number right at the beginning for the character that just feels so grand and inspiring.

Ariana Grande-Butera as Glinda adds so much to the film and balances out the film with great comedic timing and charm. Glinda is a character that you just can’t really hate no matter how much of an airhead they can be at times. There’s a nuance to the way Ariana Grande-Butera portrays the character of Glinda who defies expectations for her as the film progresses. A key scene in the film is the Ozdust dance which I think is one of the best of the year. There’s a subtlety in the way Erivo and Grande-Butera perform in it that is just so strong. Truly a heartfelt and incredible piece of work from all involved.

Prior to watching the film, I wondered if the film being broken up into two parts would hurt the story. Once I watched the movie, I realized this was what made the most sense for a film like this. The first part does feel complete and like a necessary pause, but Elphaba’s story still doesn’t. Wicked clocks in at 2 hours and 45 minutes which can sound pretty dense, but due in part to the great performances and bouncy musical numbers the run time isn’t felt. The music is truly the highlight here with powerhouse vocals from both Grande-Butera and Erivo throughout. It’s the pulse of the movie especially a musical and it’s safe to say Wicked is truly alive and kicking. I truly felt like defying gravity with the explosive finale Wicked manages to pack leaving you wanting part two to start up already.

Wicked is truly a breathtaking achievement in film this year with storytelling that feels intimate and grand at the same time. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera are true raw talent that is not seen as much today. One of those movies that’s meant and should be seen on the biggest and loudest screen possible.