December 16, 2024 by Alex Wersten (‘25)
As an artist, I approached the 2024 movie adaptation of Wicked with a mixture of anticipation and excitement. The musical, first performed on Broadway in fall of 2003, starring Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda and Idina Menzel as Elphaba, has long been a masterpiece of storytelling, a symphony of vivid characters, and a visual feast of color and contrast. Translating such a beloved stage production to film is no small feat, yet this adaptation rose to meet the artistic challenge. I have many things to unpack about this movie, so the best way to attack that is by category-
Visuals and Production Design:
The film’s visual identity is an undeniable triumph. Director Jon M. Chu leans into a heightened, fantastical aesthetic, painting the land of Oz with a color palette that feels both vibrant and otherworldly. Every frame is so incredibly composed, resembling a living painting. The Emerald City sparkles with crystalline, art-deco grandeur, while the shadowy, earth-toned depths of Shiz University convey a layered duality—beauty and menace intertwined.
However, there are moments where the spectacle is a bit overwhelming. Some scenes, particularly in large-scale musical numbers like “Defying Gravity,” feel almost too digitally polished, losing the raw, tactile energy that made the stage version so intimate.
Costume design deserves special praise. Elphaba’s evolving wardrobe mirrors her journey from a hesitant outcast to self-assured icon, culminating in her iconic black ensemble—a modern reinterpretation that feels fresh yet familiar. Glinda’s gowns, meanwhile, are a confection of pastel opulence, reflecting her delicate yet formidable social standing.
Characterization and Performances:
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba is a revelation. Her performance channeled a deep well of vulnerability and resolve, making her transformation into the “Wicked Witch” both heartbreaking and empowering. Her voice soars with a painterly quality, each note an emotion-infused brushstroke that vividly colors her character’s journey.
Ariana Grande’s Glinda was visually dazzling, and her comedic timing sparkles like a burst of glitter, particularly in “Popular.” Grande’s Glinda was very prominent, but in the film’s quieter, more introspective scenes, she finds moments of genuine nuance. The chemistry between the two leads is the film’s heartbeat—a magnetic interplay of rivalry, affection, and mutual admiration that feels honest and dynamic. (more below pictures!)
Direction and Musical Adaptation:
Chu’s direction brings a cinematic fluidity to Wicked that is undeniably ambitious. He reimagines the spatial limitations of the stage during the musical performance, using sweeping camera movements and intricate choreography to expand the world of Oz. This is particularly effective in numbers like “One Short Day,” where the bustling vibrancy of the Emerald City is brought to life in a way that no stage production could fully capture.
That said, some of the musical numbers had a lot of visual effects. Songs like “Defying Gravity,” which should be a visceral, transcendent moment, lose some emotional impact in favor of CGI spectacle. But, overall, extremely well executed directing on Chu’s part, and pleasing to the watcher.
Themes and Artistic Vision:
At its core, Wicked is a story about perception, prejudice, and the nature of truth—ideas that resonate deeply in today’s world. This film adaptation doesn’t shy away from exploring these themes, though I did wish there was at times a bit more focus on narrative subtlety rather than visual dazzle.
As an artist, I found myself yearning for a few more quiet, introspective moments—scenes that allow the audience to sit with the characters’ emotions, to appreciate the raw beauty of their arcs without the distraction of spectacle. But when those moments were included, they were breathtaking in their sincerity.
Final Thoughts:
The 2024 Wicked movie is a kaleidoscope of artistic ambition. It doesn’t always achieve the perfect balance of heart and spectacle, but when it does, it soars. For fans of the musical and newcomers alike, it offers a bold reimagining of the beloved tale, and I am extremely excited to see what Part II has in store in November of 2025!
As an artist, I walked away inspired—not just by the visual richness of the film, but by the enduring power of its story. After all, Wicked reminds us that artistry, like people, is often most beautiful in its imperfections.