After many years of waiting, the Wicked movie adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, has finally hit theaters, with Cynthia Erivo starring as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Galinda. As someone who has been a fan of the Broadway musical for a while, I made sure to see it the day it came out, and it did not disappoint.

Right off the bat, I was insanely impressed with Grande’s performance. When she was casted for the role, I recall a stigma around whether or not she truly deserved the part and if she would even do it well. But once she sang her first note of the opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked”, she proved herself to everyone who doubted her. Her operatic vocals were outstanding and unlike anything we have ever heard from her before. However, her performance is more than just her vocals. She was hilarious as Galinda and had perfect comedic timing, which made the entire theater laugh, especially during her song, “Popular”.

While I have always been a fan of Grande, I had not been familiar with Erivo and what she has done. Nonetheless, I was duly impressed with her performance, which was phenomenal to say the least. During emotional scenes, especially the scene where Elphaba sings “I’m Not That Girl”, I could feel her longing through her facial expressions and soft tone of voice; she sounded like a Disney princess. Erivo’s rendition of “The Wizard and I” cannot fall short of recognition either. She makes her massive belts look easy, while she runs and jumps, while singing simultaneously.

The entire soundtrack is a masterpiece. It has its own cinematic touch to it, while still staying true to the original Broadway cast recording. Giving cameos to Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the Broadway original Elphaba and Galinda, during “One Short Day” was the perfect full-circle moment. It was pleasant to see them being recognized and honored. Every directorial choice made in Wicked has made the movie as perfect as it is, and I know that many are itching to see part two, releasing Nov. 21, 2025.