Wicked came to theatres on Friday, and by Saturday night I was in line to buy tickets. I can’t remember the last time I went to the movie theatres – I mean, why would I – when I have a fridge stocked with free snacks, every streaming platform on one TV, and the comfort of my bed, which even the most luxurious VIP reclining seats can’t be compared with. But after reading the reviews and hearing the raves of watchers taking over social media, I had to give it my own personal review. Not that I’m a movie expert in any way – I can count the number of musicals I’ve watched on one hand and I steer clear of any violent thriller movies – I’m just an average Joe blindly trusting Wicked’s 90% “Rotten Tomatoes” score. Don’t get me wrong, I love music and I love movies, who doesn’t? Sometimes there’s just this voice in the back of my head doubting whether those two should be combined. 

In this case, that voice was wrong. “Defying Gravity” has been stuck in my head all weekend. 

Essentially a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, Wicked is the story being told mainly from Galinda’s point of view, as well as Elphaba’s. Viewers learn how Galinda becomes “Glinda the Good”, and how Elphaba becomes the “Wicked Witch”. For anyone to sit through a two hour and forty minute movie in theatres without falling asleep on those reclining chairs is a major accomplishment in itself. For me to sit through a two hour and forty minute musical must mean that it was something special. From start to finish, the movie was captivating. Friendship, romance, acceptance and betrayal were intertwined effortlessly throughout the storyline. The colours and characters were brought to life through the big screen and the storyline kept me intrigued, as someone who’s only seen The Wizard of Oz once many years ago. Not to mention Ariana’s humour – subtle yet blatant, for some reason her remarks throughout the movie reminded me of me and my own friends’ occasional comical comments. Come to find out that all the singing and performances were being done live, that Cynthia Erivo did all the stunts herself, and the CGI usage was kept to a minimum, I’m even more impressed. Seriously – if you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll be amazed.

Now, onto the sound. With titles like “Dancing Through Life”, “The Wizard And I”, “I’m Not That Girl”, and of course, as I mentioned before, “Defying Gravity”, the music adds so much more flair and life to the movie. Emotional, teary-eyed moments are turned into bitter, vengeful ones through the power of song (no spoilers), and tracks like “Popular” take us through those feel-good makeovers that everybody loves. Speaking of, can we talk about the costumes design? I want it all. Yes I love pink and all of Glinda’s cute, ethereal fairy dresses, but Elphaba’s black, suited dresses stole my heart. The shoulders, the sleeves, the layering work of her outfits redefined “little black dress” into “long black dress with puffed shoulders and an extra long cape”, and I’m completely here for it.  And Jonathan Bailey — was he born in the wrong generation? He’s been giving regency since we first saw him in Bridgerton.

If you’re still skeptical of the length of the movie, don’t be. In theory, it does seem pretty long. But looking back, I can’t think of anything that could’ve been excluded for the sake of time. Every little piece of the plot was necessary and allowed viewers to make their own assumptions, to resonate personally with each scene, character, and song.

From their arrival at Shiz University to the final plot twists that had my jaw dropped, Wicked: Part One left me with both questions and room for interpretation. What happens next? How will the story, along with the mini stories in between, develop? Whose relationships will continue to grow and whose will end just as quick as they started? The chemistry between all the cast members was undeniable, and I can’t wait to see what part two brings. BRB, going to get “for good” tattooed on my arm to match with Ariana and Cynthia. Don’t be surprised!

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