'Wicked' film review: Erivo, Grande delight in this Wicked Witch of the West origin story

Based on the acclaimed Broadway musical, 'Wicked' (in theaters nationwide Nov. 22) is an enthralling cinema experience worthy of the biggest screen possible.

In short: Many years before Dorothy Gale arrives in the Land of Oz, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, meets the popular and driven Galinda (Ariana Grande).

'The Wizard of Oz' is an essential film. Yes it first existed as a book written by L. Frank Baum more than 100 years ago - but mentioning 'The Wizard of Oz' instantly brings the 1939 classic film to mind. Adapting the celebrated musical iteration of 'Wicked' was not only inevitable - but the big screen truly realizes the pure scope and scale of Oz and its iconic characters.

And make no mistake, this theatrical version is not merely going through the motions of adapting a musical (constrained by the limits of stage production) to the big screen - rich character performances and breathtaking production design make 'Wicked' a true cinematic event of the year.

If adapting the musical for the big screen is this film's best idea, its second best decision was to cast Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the emotional anchors of 'Wicked.' This incredible duo has all the fun with the oil-and-water dynamic of the guarded and wry Elphaba contrasting the vibrant and effervescent Galinda. Their chemistry powers the story and the pairing of Erivo and Grande is pitch perfect casting. Erivo carries a lifetime of bullying with her young Elphaba - destined to one day become the feared Wicked Witch of the West. Grande absolutely sticks the landing as the ambitious popular girl who is the ying to Elphaba's yang in every way.

Boasting arguably the year's deepest ensemble cast, 'Wicked' perfectly casts its memorable characters where even its relatively minor roles are compelling. While the original 1939 'Wizard of Oz' set very clear, unambiguous delineations between good and evil, 'Wicked' explores characters living in the morally grey realities of a kingdom with rulers ... and those subject to rule. Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum imbue the story with humanity and the stark reality of Oz - a "wonderful world" subject to all the power brokers and inequities of Kansas.

Although 'Wicked' is promoted simply as 'Wicked' - what might surprise some audiences is the fact that this is merely 'Wicked: Part One' ... implying a 'Part Two.' This creates two fundamental hurdles for the movie: runtime and direction. The film opens with Oz in celebration after Dorothy defeats the Wicked Witch of the Witch - essentially all the 'Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead' vibes. Then the film lingers over Glinda remembering how her path once crossed with the Wicked Witch before she became a feared witch. The general concept of "how Glinda the Good Witch once knew the Wicked Witch" is intriguing, it leaves the story too open ended. 'Wicked' covers a lot of ground - from Elphaba's rocky relationship with Galinda, her father, her sister and society. But this lack of focus doesn't give the audience a lot to grasp onto firmly - specifically: where is this story going?

Coming in at almost three hours, 'Wicked' is a very long film. And the fact that this is merely the first half of an incomplete story makes 'Wicked' feel needlessly drawn out. For fans of the musical, 'Wicked: Part One' mirrors the musical's Act One, closing out 'Part One' with the rousing 'Defying Gravity' sequence. The good news is at least the film closes with a little more focus of where Elphaba's overall story is going - but everything feels a bit vague.

Final verdict: 'Wicked' is a must-see film of 2024 and a breath-taking realization of the beloved musical.

Score: 4/5

'Wicked' opens in theaters nationwide Nov. 22. The musical adventure has a runtime of 116 minutes and is rated PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material.