Wicked: Part 1 is the first half of a modern film adaptation of the original Broadway musical, Wicked. Known for its classic songs, ‘Popular’ and ‘Defying Gravity’, the original show was and still is a big hit. 

The heroine and anti-hero, Glinda and Elphaba, were originally portrayed in the musical by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. In the modern, nearly three-hour film, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo faithfully live up to their predecessors in the roles.

Wicked is a spin-off and reimagined prequel to the events of The Wizard of Oz. The story follows a young Wicked Witch of the West, known as Elphaba Thropp in the film.

The story takes the viewer on a magical journey, backed by a beautifully catchy soundtrack that stands unmarred two decades later. It explores themes of school popularity, self-acceptance, and discrimination while still being playful and charming.

While they eventually emerge as best friends, Elphaba and Glinda represent contrasting views and characters. Elphaba is bold, honest, and unwilling to submit to a corrupt Ozian government. On the other hand, Glinda believes that the pursuit of success and popularity is worth the moral imbalances that come with it.

The film is full of easter eggs hinting at The Wizard of Oz. The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good are the obvious throwbacks, but they aren’t the only beloved characters to make a cameo. We see a real glimpse at other characters from the film like Courage the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and the Tin Man before Dorothy discovers them all.

Personally, I wasn’t very invested in The Wizard of Oz or Wicked before watching this film. However, I loved seeing it and witnessing the soundtrack, diverse topics, and amazing portrayals from every actor in the film. Wicked is definitely a standout of this year’s cinema, and it’s amazing from start to finish. I think I speak for many people when I say I can’t wait to see Wicked: Part 2 next year.