Wicked: Part One
Film
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Jon M. Chu from films like In the Heights and Crazy Rich Asians, it’s his unparalleled mastery of the extravagant. Chu brings large-scale musical numbers and dazzling displays of excess to life without losing sight of the story. With Wicked, he doesn’t just meet expectations—he soars past them. Chu's enchanting film adaptation of the beloved Broadway production is an eye-popping adventure, emanating the magic of Oz at every step, and boasts Chu's vision for boisterous musical numbers that match the vitality of the stage. While there are some confounding cinematography choices that frustrate, the dynamic duo of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo elevate the film to breathtaking--gravity defying--heights.
As in the Broadway production, Wicked takes place long before Dorothy arrives in Oz, primarily at Shiz University. The prestigious college is where Glinda (Grande), or Galinda as she's known as during this time, and Elphaba (Erivo) meet and are begrudgingly assigned as roommates. Initially at odds—thanks to Glinda’s mean-girl antics, amplified by her lackey Pfannee (a delightful Bowen Yang)—the two women form an unlikely bond as they discover qualities in each other that the rest of Oz overlooks. Eventually the two travel to the Emerald City to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) where the darker themes of the source material take shape, culminating in Elphaba's iconic performance of "Defying Gravity."
Chu's Wicked is a fairly cut and dry adaptation of the Broadway version from Winnie Holzman, and the original novel from Gregory Maguire, but benefits from the wonders of movie magic. Frequent Christopher Nolan collaborator for production design, Nathan Crowley assembles a spellbinding visual recipe along with set decorator Lee Sandales. Combined with Chu's direction and his In The Heights choreographer Christopher Scott's dance construction, the energy of Wicked is simply off the charts. The rotating library during Fiyero's (an alluring Jonathan Bailey) performance of "Dancing Through Life" is as electric as ever, and the top-to-bottom choreography of "What Is This Feeling" is a gorgeous blend of subtleties and lavish ensemble. Yet Chu’s true genius lies in tying these elements together, maintaining the emotional core of Wicked even amid its most extravagant moments.
Moreover, Grande and Erivo don't just fill in for Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel--a seemingly impossible task--but they are able to provide their own artistic twists on their characters. Grande could have leaned into Glinda’s aloof, status-driven persona, which would undoubtedly have delivered great comedic moments (not to say Grande's performance is void of comedy because there is some great humor). Instead, she digs deeper, bringing nuance to the character through subtle expressions, physicality, and emotional vocals. Matching Grande's vocal prowess is the Tony award winning Erivo who is downright outstanding as Elphaba, delivering powerhouse vocals infused with raw emotion. Together, Grande and Erivo's chemistry and mesmerizing performances anchor the film's heart, providing a rewarding emotional experience.
Unfortunately, at times--and I know this is a hot button issue--the backlighting of scenes is a real problem. Washing out scenes with egregious backlighting is a complete disservice to the work that Grande and Erivo are delivering in every scene. Muting Crowley's color palette across the production could be excusable, but to have the backlighting in a scene mask the expressions of Glinda and Elphaba is to undermine their career best work.
Of course Wicked is a part one, although its runtime matches the entirety of the musical production, but it ends with a triumphant "Defying Gravity" that effortlessly prepares you for part two. While long in runtime, Wicked never truly feels long. In fact, the pacing works to the advantage of the film's bustling collection of characters, all the while setting up for a satisfying conclusion. Some moments feel underdeveloped, as with most part one installments, such as Fiyero's overall involvement along with Nessarose (Marissa Bode), but these shortcomings are mere byproducts of splitting the story.
Overall, fans of the musical will thoroughly enjoy the fresh new musicality and choreography, while newcomers will find an exceedingly entertaining musical brimming with life and energy. Giving a whole new meaning to going to the movies for magic.
Froth
Even with the dark undertones of Wicked's story, I believe a lighter, more approachable beer is proper choice of companion beverage. Something with a slight bitterness to match the nefarious nature of the Wizard, but perfectly balanced much like Grande and Erivo's performances. A Pale Ale with a subdued bitterness and accented citrusy aroma plays wonderfully with the bright visuals of Wicked while bouncing around the phenomenal timbre, bringing the magic of Oz right to you. El Sueñito Brewing Company's New Friends Pale Ale fits the profile perfectly, with its delicate balance of Citra, Mosaic and Idaho 7 hops delivering a blast of citrus. Meanwhile, it's slight bitterness and light body makes it a refreshing delight, as if every sip causes you to hear Jonathan Bailey's big note in "Dancing Through Life." Not a bad way to live if you ask me.
