The highly anticipated second instalment of the Wicked prequel has arrived, and it delivers everything fans could have hoped for and more. Wicked: For Good brings the epic origin story to its dramatic conclusion, with Cynthia Erivo's breathtaking performance as Elphaba standing out as the film's crowning achievement.
A Masterful Conclusion to the Oz Prequel
Director Jon M Chu has accomplished something remarkable with this second chapter of the musical phenomenon. He maintains the vibrant, rainbow-coloured dreamscape and Broadway-style musical numbers that made the first film so captivating, while narrowing the focus to the core characters' explosive romantic entanglements.
The narrative centres around two interlocking love triangles that drive the emotional core of the story. We see the complicated dynamics between Glinda the Good, Elphaba the Wicked, and the Wizard himself, alongside the passionate tensions between Glinda, Elphaba, and Prince Fiyero - the handsome military officer who captures both witches' hearts.
Stellar Cast Brings Depth to Beloved Characters
Jeff Goldblum delivers an exceptional performance as the Wizard, transforming into what can only be described as the Darth Vader of Oz. He portrays a slippery carnival huckster whose charming facade begins to crumble as he confronts the corrosion of his own soul.
Jonathan Bailey brings new depth to Prince Fiyero, shifting from the campy characterisation of the first film to a more serious and passionate portrayal. Ariana Grande returns as the delicate, doll-like Glinda, though with somewhat reduced comedic opportunities compared to the previous instalment.
The undeniable standout, however, is Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. She brings a black-belt screen presence to the role while revealing new layers of vulnerability and maturity. Her performance is nothing short of mesmerising, particularly in moments where Prince Fiyero must convince her of what audiences have known all along - that she is truly beautiful.
Navigating the Wizard of Oz Connection
The film faces the challenging task of dovetailing with the original Wizard of Oz narrative that audiences know so well. It addresses crucial questions about Elphaba's embrace of wickedness and Glinda's potential rejection of her friend, handling these complex themes with tragicomic brio.
Some narrative elements prove more challenging, particularly the tangential appearance of Dorothy herself, whose arrival in Oz via Kansas shack whirlwind kicks off the final act. The origin stories for her three companions - the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow - feel somewhat reminiscent of Marvel or DC Universe villain backstories.
The Scarecrow's origin proves particularly muddled and deferred, leaving some confusion about how and why he lacks a brain compared to the Lion and Tin Man's missing courage and heart. This complexity echoes the original film's ambiguous nature, where the Wizard's final benediction always left room for interpretation.
Wicked: For Good represents a triumphant conclusion to this reimagining of Oz mythology. With Cynthia Erivo's powerhouse performance leading an exceptional cast, the film delivers both emotional depth and spectacular entertainment. The film releases in Australia on 20 November and in the UK and US on 21 November.
