Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked: Part 1 brings the classic Broadway musical to the big screen. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the film revisits the origins of the famous Witches of Oz. Between moments of sincere emotion, flamboyant sets and uneven performances, this first part oscillates between enchantment and excess, offering an experience that will divide audiences.
Wicked will be released in cinemas from December 4, 2024.
Synopsis: WICKED follows the legendary witches of the World of Oz. Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of the unusual color of her green skin, doesn't even suspect the extent of her powers. At her side is Glinda, who, as popular as she is privileged, still doesn't know the true nature of her heart. Their meeting at the University of Shiz, in the fantastic world of Oz, marks the beginning of an unlikely but profound friendship. However, their relationship with The Wizard of Oz is to put a strain on this friendship and see their paths drift apart. While Glinda, thirsting for popularity, allows herself to be seduced by power, Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself and to those around her will have consequences as unfortunate as they are unexpected. Their extraordinary adventures in the Land of Oz will ultimately lead them to fulfill their destinies, becoming respectively the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West.
With Wicked: Part 1, Jon M. Chu tackles an ambitious adaptation of the famous Broadway musical, immersing viewers in the colorful, exuberant world of the Land of Oz, while exploring profound themes such as friendship, tolerance and acceptance of differences. Boosted by performances from Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), the film's flamboyant aesthetic and narrative oscillate between offbeat comedy and poignant drama. While the first half of the film is a celebration for musical theatre fans, it does not escape some of the imbalances that have divided critics.
Jon M. Chu, known for his mastery of musicals(Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), implements a particularly rich artistic direction. The dazzling special effects and brilliant color palette immerse the viewer in a fantastic world. One of the most striking scenes is the dance in Ozdust, where Elphaba and Glinda, after initial tensions, find common ground to the rhythm of sincerely moving, nuanced choreography. This moment, when Glinda willingly humiliates herself to redeem her mockery, is a touching demonstration of their budding bond.
Ariana Grande surprises with her interpretation of Glinda, skilfully juggling almost cartoonish comedy with moments of heartfelt emotion. Her performance is hilarious, though sometimes a little overdone, which may confuse some viewers. For her part, Cynthia Erivo shines with her powerful voice and introspective performance, infusing Elphaba with an intensity that gives the film its emotional heart.
However, while Wicked: Part 1 impresses with its technique, it suffers from its narrative breakdown. With a running time of 2 hours 40 minutes, the film runs the risk of losing some of its audience, especially families with children. This format, while generous, could benefit from a tighter pace, with some scenes stretching out unnecessarily.
Another problem lies in the adaptation of the songs into the original subtitled version. The lyrics have been rewritten to fit the language, creating a dissonance for bilingual viewers who are simultaneously following the text and the music. This choice, while artistically understandable, can be disconcerting.
Critics are divided on the film, with some praising its faithful homage to the original work, while others lament its sometimes over-emphatic execution. The staging, though impressive, is judged by some to be overpowering, as are the bright, omnipresent colors that saturate the screen. Despite this, moments of narrative intimacy, such as the exchanges between Elphaba and Glinda, manage to touch deeply.
The work is reminiscent of the heyday of Hollywood musicals, but also seeks to modernize the genre by tackling contemporary themes. The message of acceptance of differences is sometimes hammered home to the detriment of subtlety, but remains a laudable and universal intention.
Wicked: Part 1 is a visually and emotionally rich spectacle that will appeal to fans of musicals and fantasy storytelling. While some length and awkwardness detract from the experience, the film remains a heartfelt celebration of the Oz universe and the bonds that transcend differences. With a second part still to come, it remains to be seen whether Jon M. Chu will be able to harmonize his ambitions to deliver a memorable conclusion.
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