Wicked

They say the best things in life are worth waiting for and that certainly seems to have been the case with Wicked. For years, fans have been hoping the Broadway hit would someday get a big-screen adaptation and those dreams were finally realized by director Jon Chu in Universal’s two-part Wicked film. Wicked is a brilliant cinematic adaptation that captures the magic and heart of the beloved Broadway show that has been a part of our lives for over 20 years now. The film is a true spectacle in every sense of the word from its stunning sets and visual effects to the flawless costumes and spectacular adaption of the Broadway musical’s iconic songs, but without a doubt, it’s the performances of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda which are the film’s standout. Erivo’s Elphaba is nothing short of extraordinary. Her vocal power and raw authenticity bring the character to life with a fierce vulnerability that will move audiences to tears, while her performances of Elphaba’s many iconic songs — particularly “Defying Gravity” — will send chills down your spine as her voice is truly unlike any other’s. And then we have Grande’s as Glinda, a role she was truly born to play. Grande brings her own brand of magic to the role, perfectly balancing the character's bubbly charm with an unexpected depth, and shows off her amazing comedic timing and the many facets of her beautiful voice. Put these two amazing and powerful women together and you get pure magic. Their performances don’t just shine, they illuminate the entire film, capturing the essence of friendship, resilience, and defiance in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. They’ve somehow managed to elevate these two incredible and beloved characters to new heights, giving audiences a pair of performances that defy expectations.

Elation. After years of wishful thinking and dreaming of someday seeing Wicked defy gravity on the big screen, those dreams were realized with the masterful vision of Jon Chu. The film was a true love letter to the fans worldwide who first fell in love with the story of Elphaba and Glinda when Wicked opened on Broadway. This movie was everything we hoped it would be and more, filling our hearts with happiness and joy.

It seems almost poetic that Wicked arrived in theaters when it did, as it came at a time when we truly needed it most. Wicked provided the audience with escapism we definitely needed and reminded us that even in the darkest of times we can rewrite our futures and defy gravity.