🎞️📼Spencer💿📺’s review published on Letterboxd:
This isn’t your Barbie’s pink. If anything, pink itself might turn green with envy after seeing how the origin story of the Wicked Witch unfolds. Wicked, the long-anticipated adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon, casts a spell that’s as potent as it is immersive. The film’s magic lies in how its talented cast and crew have brewed a cinematic potion worthy of its stage roots.
While some might gripe about the film's length, I found myself fully enraptured by this lush fantasy world. Its meticulous attention to detail, with Easter eggs and loving nods to pre-existing Oz lore, ensures there’s something for everyone. This isn’t just a movie for Broadway enthusiasts; it’s a film for anyone who’s ever wanted to peek behind the curtain of the Emerald City.
What truly sets Wicked apart is its duality. The narrative skillfully balances perspectives, offering depth and complexity in a way that surpasses even the ambition of Star Wars prequels. The dynamic between Glinda and Elphaba feels authentic, layered, and beautifully explored.
And then there’s the “Defying Gravity” sequence a moment so spellbinding it demands its own spotlight. Without delving into spoilers, let me just say: it’s a cinematic experience that begs to be seen on the largest screen possible. It’s a moment where sound, visuals, and performance collide in something truly transcendent.
I haven’t been this moved by a musical since Dreamgirls. While that film dazzled with its vibrant, show-stopping numbers, Wicked weaves its music seamlessly into the fabric of its story, making it feel as effortless as magic itself. The songs arise naturally, drawing us deeper into its world without a hint of contrivance.
Despite being only the first installment of a two-part saga, Wicked Act One feels remarkably complete. You leave the theater satisfied, yet eager for more, which is no small feat in today’s landscape of cliffhanger-heavy blockbusters.
My Wicked experience, however, wasn’t without its own side story. I had reserved four seats, but due to availability, my group was split up. As luck would have it, I initially found myself in a quiet row until a group of tardy teenagers stumbled in mid-trailers. One, seated next to me, promptly left to fetch concessions and returned 30 minutes later, juggling beverages and popcorn in a two-trip extravaganza.
The real challenge came when the phone-glow wars began. Instead of letting frustration win, I leaned into the Wicked spirit of kindness (and a little cunning), whispering enthusiastic commentary about the film until my row-mate finally put the phone away. By then, the movie had done its job, whisking me so deeply into its world that even this minor drama became part of the experience rather than a distraction.
That’s the hallmark of a great film: it pulls you in so completely that not even the quirks of a crowded theater can break the spell. Wicked is that rare kind of magic—an adaptation that soars on its own merits, while honoring the legacy of the story it’s telling. If Act Two delivers as Act One has, we’re in for something truly legendary.