Shadows on the Wall | Wicked: Part I

Wicked: Part I

Review by Rich Cline | MUST SEE

dir Jon M Chu
scr Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox
prd Marc Platt, David Stone
with Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Peter Dinklage, Andy Nyman, Keala Settle, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James
release US/UK 22.Nov.24
24/UK Universal 2h40

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Taking a big-scale approach to the beloved stage musical, director Jon M Chu extravagantly indulges in costumes, sets and an enormous ensemble. This makes the set-pieces unusually robust, while everything is grounded by complex characters who are sharply played by an eclectic cast. And while the emotions surge, there is plenty of humour to add resonant spark. Plus knowing nods to various incarnations of The Wizard of Oz.

At Shiz University in Oz, green-skinned Elphaba (Erivo) is helping her paraplegic sister Nessa (Bode) start her studies when her supernatural skills are noticed by sorcery professor Madame Morrible (Yeoh), who offers her a place as a student. Elphaba clashes with her overconfident, popular roommate Galinda (Grande), but eventually they find common ground, even though both are attracted to the impossibly handsome Fiyero (Bailey). Soon, Elphaba is summoned to the Emerald City, and she takes Galinda along to meet the Wizard (Goldblum) and perhaps have their deepest wishes granted. But they uncover a conspiracy instead.

A flashback prologue offers glimpses of the classic movie that will become more prominent in Part II. And through everything, Stephen Schwartz's songs express nuanced thoughts and emotions, leading to the triumphant Defying Gravity, as Elphaba jets off into a cliffhanger ending. This may feel hugely heightened, but plenty of subtle touches hold the interest. And even though they're outrageously lavish, the colourful sets and costumes make the film unusually tactile.

Attention to detail also brings characters to vivid life. Erivo is excellent as a young woman who has endured a life of bigotry, so has no expectations for herself. Watching her discover her power is inspiring, even if everyone around her thinks she's wicked. By contrast, Grande's Galinda is a narcissist who remains likeable because she's also endearingly deranged. It's a witty performance underscored with heart. Bailey nearly steals the film as the hilariously seductive Fiyero, while Yeoh and Goldblum add old-school gravitas in gleefully shady roles.

An inventive spin on a familiar story, this musical weaves in edgy real-world political issues alongside amusingly mangled wordplay (it's scandalocious!). So it gets us giggling before making us think, then wallops us with intense emotions. This is a pointed story about what it truly costs to battle injustice in a world where any dissent is labeled as wrong. In other words, the exact world we live in. Of course, on the stage you only needed to wait 20 minutes until the second act. But this film's fans have a one-year wait.

themes, violence 6.Nov.24

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