wicked: for good

Director: Jon M. Chu 

Genre: musical, fantasy romance 

Rating: ★★★★½

As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves and all of Oz, for good.

In this second instalment of such a beloved musical and franchise, we see these characters navigating the trials of adult life and the consequences of getting what they want. We see the reality of their situations beginning to break through the carefully constructed bubble of youth. Especially in the case of Glinda, who, since we last saw her, has become an influential figure in the land of Oz under the guidance of the Wizard and Madame Morrible,  and embodies all that she believes goodness is and should be. 

Unlike Glinda, Elphaba sees herself ostracised from the land of OZ as a result of lies spread by the Wizard and Morrible, doing everything in her power to try and prove the Wizard lies and desperately hoping the people of Oz come to see sense. 

The development of these characters plays such a significant role in the telling of this story, showing how the realities of life have warped them from who they used to be. A standout performance for me was that of Ethan Slater, who plays Boq the Munchkin. He was completely recognisable when transformed into the Tin Man, and he offered such a raw and authentic performance that left the audience members wanting to find out more. 

Unfortunately, much like its musical predecessor, the second half of the movie musical falls somewhat flat and lacks the flow and continuity the first half held. Oftentimes feeling as though it was jumping between a few different plot points with a scattering of songs here and there. And though the songs were good, many felt out of place and didn't connect the story. Especially the new additions of “Girl in the Bubble” and “No Place Like Home,” and the movie perhaps would have been stronger if they hadn’t been included. 

Despite this, the movie holds a strong emotional relatability with not only me but like minded audience members, creating such a strong connection to the film and its characters. Which is what I think makes it such a beloved movie and musical. Because not only does it expand the world of Oz and bring us up to date with the story of Dorothy, but it also allows 

us to see some of ourselves within the characters. 

Grande and Erivo have handled these characters with such love and affection, and it's evident in their performances. You can see the connection they have to these two characters underneath all of the costuming, which is something that is so important and really transports you into the story. 

This film is more of an emotional farewell than anything else. Both for us and the actors involved and I, for one, am grateful that we live in a time where we were able to see such career defining performances and I cannot wait to see what happens next. I heavily recommend going to see this film if you have the chance.