Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of Wicked will be divided into two parts, raising questions about the viability of translating the second act of the original musical into a standalone film. The first act is known for its iconic songs, while the second act is shorter and features a faster pace, necessitating careful adaptation to maintain coherence and depth. Wicked: For Good, the second part, aims to further develop character arcs and narrative complexity.
The film resumes five years after the previous installment, reintroducing key characters Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). The narrative highlights the impact of the Wizard’s (Jeff Goldblum) administration on public perception, portraying Elphaba as a misunderstood figure misrepresented by propaganda. It suggests that her actions, often interpreted as malevolent, are part of her ongoing mission to liberate sentient Animals from oppression.
Wicked: For Good reportedly delves into darker themes, addressing political revolution and societal perception. Elphaba identifies with the enslaved Animals and grapples with their distrust towards her. The film draws parallels to contemporary societal issues, illustrating how fear is utilized by those in power to manipulate public sentiment against marginalized groups.
The storyline also incorporates humor and references to The Wizard of Oz, featuring Dorothy Gale (Bethany Weaver) in a way that highlights her disruptive presence. This contrast serves to underscore the core narrative of Wicked, which is more focused on the dynamics between Elphaba and Glinda than on Dorothy’s journey.
Erivo’s performance as Elphaba is noted to be powerful, while Grande’s portrayal of Glinda emphasizes her internal conflict with her role in society. Their evolving relationship is central to the film’s narrative.
The cast also includes Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Sharon D. Clarke, Dee Bradley Baker, and Scarlett Spears. Wicked: For Good is set to be released in theaters on November 21st.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/825554/wicked-for-good-review