Wicked (2024) Review: Does the Spell-Binding Musical Live Up to the Hype?

Wicked Part 1 (2024) is a whimsical beginning to an extraordinary adventure, based on the world defying Broadway musical this feature is a spell-binding look into the wonderful land of Oz and its mysterious secrets. 

Wicked (2024) sees Elphaba at the centre, a uniquely powerful individual who dreams of making change, brought to screen by Cynthia Erivo, Elphaba is a truly magnificent character who demands your attention when she is on screen. Erivo stands her own, she performs with a distinct charm and takes Elphaba on a journey of self discovery and adventure. Alongside Ariana Grande, the pair bring their own spin to the beloved characters through personalised vocals and quirks. As a duo they compliment one another perfectly and I found their casting to be one of my favourite take aways from this film, they ooze elegance and charisma and bring sparkle to the screen. 

Wicked Part 1 sets up all expectation and anticipation for part 2, I am now officially hooked into the story and cannot wait to see what they do next and how they develop these characters into the ones we know and love from The Wizard of Oz (1939). 

The film as a whole was playful, with large set designs, never ending landscapes and statement-piece costumes, it is hard to forget the visuals and atmosphere along with the sheer mass of this films production.

Sadly, one of the most distracting elements of Wicked (2024) was its muted tones and colour palette. On one hand, the dull colours only magnified Elphaba’s green skin but on the other, it felt subdued and less eye catching than The Wizard of Oz’s use of technicolour back in 1939. Although this element did not stint any of my enjoyment it was simply something I noticed and wished the films look was more bold and vibrant. 

Regardless of colour grading and editing style, Wicked (2024) is undeniably heart warming and moving. This story and these characters mean a lot to people, I remember seeing Wicked when I was 12 years old and I never forgot it. The sentiment of this film is important to people and I think part 1 did an excellent job of introducing this story to new fans but also exceeding expectations for life long fans. I was pleasantly surprised and can confidently say this is a film you can’t miss, the songs, the voices and the dance sequences are all engrained in my memory; not to mention the subtle nods to The Wizard of Oz (1939) scattered amongst the journey. 

I’ve had Defying Gravity playing on repeat in my head since I felt the cinema and I don’t think it’s going to disappear anytime soon… 

Probe Points

★★★★☆