‘Wicked’ Review: Defying Gravity and Expectations

With its dazzling production, wonderful performances, and showstopping numbers, Jon M. Chu’s Wicked is simply one of the greatest movie musicals of all time.

Overall Score: 10/10

Image: Universal Pictures

What’s your favorite movie musical? West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Singin’ in the Rain? Nothing beats these classics. In fact, I’d argue that with a few exceptions, very few modern movie musicals have matched the heights these legendary titles established.

That is, until Wicked. I’ll admit, when I first heard that a screen adaptation of the Wizard of Oz–adjacent Broadway production was in the works, I was skeptical. Long ago, I caught a showing of Wicked in Singapore, and although I fell in love with it, I was well aware of its many flaws. While the show includes bangers like “Defying Gravity” and “What Is This Feeling,” it also suffers from pacing issues, simplified themes, and underdeveloped supporting characters.

Yet, against all odds, Jon M. Chu’s Wicked not only defies these limitations — it meaningfully expands and improves upon the source material. Much of this is thanks to the decision to split the adaptation into two films (the latter of which I’ll cover in a separate review). The expanded structure allows Chu to explore what a single film simply couldn’t.

Themes such as the power of friendship, the complexities of relationships, and the tension between morality and societal perception are now allowed to unfold with greater clarity. Characters like Fiyero, Boq, Nessa, and even Madame Morrible receive deeper development, with performances that illuminate their inner conflicts to match.

But even with all these improvements, Wicked ultimately succeeds because of its two leads. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande — both theater kids at heart — are perfectly cast. Once you’ve seen them in the film, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the roles. Erivo is a force as Elphaba, combining quiet determination with raw emotional power that fully erupts in her breathtaking “Defying Gravity.” Meanwhile, Grande is a revelation as Glinda. She’s very funny, yes, but what stands out is how much nuance and heart she brings to such an iconic character.

And now, a word about the man of the hour, Jon M. Chu, whose direction was outrageously snubbed at this past year’s Oscars. If you’ve seen In the Heights, you know Chu understands musicals intimately. He stages numbers with long, sweeping takes that fully immerse you in the emotional core of each song. If you’ve seen Crazy Rich Asians, you also know how skilled he is at intimate character work. Here, he smartly steps back in quieter scenes and lets his actors shine — a choice that elevates every performance.

Wicked is also visually stunning. It’s a triumph of production design, featuring sets and props that genuinely make your jaw drop. Shiz University? The Emerald City? Neither is primarily computer-generated; both rely heavily on practical design, lending the world a rich, lived-in feel. And the costumes? They’re spectacular. Glinda’s gowns alone are dazzling, and it’s no surprise the film ultimately won an Oscar for costume designer Paul Tazewell.

And that wraps up my review. Wicked is a wonderful musical film — one of the very best ever put to screen — standing proudly alongside the legendary titles I mentioned earlier. With splendid production value and powerhouse performances, I’m certain it will become a classic in its own right. Jon M. Chu has done it. He’s adapted the first half of one of the most beloved Broadway shows and absolutely succeeded.

You could say his work here has defied all expectations.

Or rather, that it’s defied gravity.