Main Characters Elphaba and Glinda played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. (Universal Pictures)

The new film adaptation of the hit musical, Wicked Part 1, has shown to be one of the most “Popular” of the year. With its stunning visuals, star-studded cast, and captivating soundtrack, it leaves the audience dazzled once the credits start rolling. Wicked has been the greatest movie to come out of 2024.

The set design of this film brings no doubt to the fact that the budget of this film was $150 million. The views of Munchkinland look almost unreal with over nine million tulips planted over 6.8 acres of land. The architecture of the school buildings at Shiz University look like palaces. The set of the Emerald City seems as if the city really exists in this world. The use of color also helps tell the story of Elphaba and Glinda. In certain scenes, the use of the colors green and pink symbolize the two witches’ friendship. When you see green in the film, it will be accompanied by the color pink as well. The visuals of the film help tell the story of Wicked and makes the audience believe that they really are in Oz.

The reason Wicked is so entertaining is due to its talented cast. With talented Broadway actors like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Ethan Slater, the film was a true musical. The fact that Director Jon Chu hired actors that had the best voices for the character rather than just popular faces meant both Erivo and Grande sang live in the film; nothing was pre-recorded. It is truly impressive that Elphaba’s actress, Erivo sang live while performing her own stunts, flying over Oz during the challenging song, “Defying Gravity.” Some argue that Grande was not the best choice for the character Glinda, but with her talented acting skills and dedication to the character, she proved to be right for the role. For instance, when the composer of the musical brought up the idea of changing the classic song Popular to become a hip hop song Grande responded saying, “Absolutely not, don’t do it. I want to be Glinda, not Ariana Grande playing Glinda”

This movie would not be as incredible as it is without its soundtrack. By keeping all of the musical’s original songs, it lets fans experience the classic story of Wicked without any new modern interruptions. This soundtrack was made to satisfy the fans of the original play on Broadway. The soundtrack includes special features from some of the original cast members as well. The ensemble background singers are all actors and actresses who were a part of the cast of the musical over the past 21 years. The powerful voice of Erivo, and the bubbly voice of Grande make the songs Defying Gravity, Popular, The Wizard and I, and One Short Day meaningful. Bailey’s performance of Dancing Through Life swoons the audience and makes them feel like they are really in the Ozdust Ballroom. The superior soundtrack by Stephen Schwartz allows for this movie to give the audience an emotional response to each lyric.

Everyone should watch Wicked this year because it is truly the best film to come out of 2024. It’s not just a movie about two girls who are best friends; it’s about young people realizing who they really are in the world. It’s also an inspirational tale of a girl who uses the discrimination that she faces in order to fuel her power to make a change she wants to see in her society.

The first part of Wicked is an absolute masterpiece and when the second part comes out next year, it should be just as incredible.

Wicked, Part 1 is now available to rent or buy.