It’s not easy being green, but having a friend can help.
“Wicked” explores themes of friendship and belonging in a world where fitting in can be challenging.
The film, based on the Broadway musical of the same name, centers on the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West, who in this version is called Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. The film is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) and stars Ariana Grande, credited here as Ariana Grande-Butera, as Glinda, the Good Witch.
Elphaba had a difficult childhood; she was picked on and singled out for being green. Elphaba and Glinda, known early in the film as Galinda, attend Shiz University in Oz where they accidentally get assigned as roommates, and slowly develop an unexpected kinship.
Both Erivo and Grande-Butera give special care to their respective witches. The friendship chemistry between them is unmatched through humor and love.
Although the film featured other climaxes, the power of their friendship was the star.
Even in Glinda’s first glances at Elphaba, you can feel their pull towards each other. Not only did the two compliment each other while acting and singing, but each stole the show during their respective solo moments.
What was so special about the film was that it stayed true to the original musical. No additional songs were added or subtracted – a rare feat for an adapted movie musical.
Even some of the most successful adapted movie musicals have made alterations to the musical version for the silver screen.
Grande-Butera may have been an unexpected casting. However, she was reborn on the screen, morphing from a pop star to a graceful singer.
Erivo, a Tony-award-winning actress, mastered her belts that brought both chills and tears.
The world of Oz was crafted in a way where the viewer could almost step down the yellow brick road and fly on a broom themselves. The glitz and glam of the Emerald City shone through strongly with bold bright green costumes.
This world-building is something that cannot come through on a Broadway stage. With computer-generated imagery and special effects, the film was able to take on a more magical form. These effects added elements of action that could not be performed on the stage.
The extravagant sets gave way to attention to incredible details. For example, when Elphaba and Glinda first become friends, Glinda gives Elphaba a makeover.
Almost every piece of clothing owned by Glinda is pink. Except for one small detail. Glinda whips out a pair of sparkly red shoes, synonymous with Dorothy’s in “The Wizard of Oz.” Listen closely to lyrics throughout and you can identify references to characters in “The Wizard of Oz.”
With a surprise as a nod to fans of the original musical, “Wicked” is the gift that keeps on giving.
And the film will keep giving. The second part is set to release next year, which is the only disappointment. Until then, fans can stock up on the many “Wicked”-related collaborations from Starbucks to Grande-Butera’s own r.e.m. beauty.
“Wicked” released in theaters Nov. 22.
This article was edited by Alfie Pritchard, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks and Nicole Kariuki.
