Summary
Given the huge success of theWickedstage show, there was a lot of pressure for a silver-screen adaptation that didn’t alienate Broadway fans but also bucked the trend of recent underperforming musicals likeWest Side StoryandCats. Fortunately, director Jon M. Chu struck gold with a faithful adaptation that proved to be a smash hit with critics and audiences right out of the gate.
Wickednetted over $163m worldwide on its opening weekend, the best opening for anyBroadway adaptation. Critics have also showered the film with praise, and there is a significant amount of Oscar buzz around the production. Of course, the cornerstone of any musical’s success is a stellar soundtrack, in this case performed largely by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the lead roles. Audiences are certainly left with an earworm or two, no doubt humming some ofthe best songs inWickedfor days after seeing it.
Spoiler Alert: Some plot details will be discussed.
10A Sentimental Man
Jeff Goldblum makes a commendable effortbut falls somewhat short of the exceptional vocal talent on display throughout the film. Audiences don’t spend a lot of time with the Wizard, so"A Sentimental Man"serves as an important peep behind the curtain to his character. Even if, as is typical of the Wizard, most of what he says is untrue.
The song is brief and mainly exists to foreshadow the showstopping finale, as the Wizard quips about Elphaba’s ascent and infamously tells her “Everyone deserves the chance to fly.”
9Something Bad
“Something Bad"is a kind of exposition dump, and it’s a handy way of imparting the surrounding circumstances of Oz to set the scene for what’s to come. Dr Dillamond explains to his friend how the animals are losing their voice, something which serves as a critical part of Elphaba’s motivation moving forward.
The plight of the animals is not really revisited in any significant way after this scene though. The story remains in the background, and Dr Dillamond himself is barely seen again, which lessens the significance of this melancholic performance.
8One Short Day
“One Short Day"is performed primarily by Glinda and Elphaba with a large ensemble backing as theyexplore the Emerald Cityfor the first time on their way to see the Wizard. It’s the final moments of hope and optimism in the story before things begin to take a sour turn, and the tone captures the mood perfectly.
It also features an extended cameo from Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who portrayed the two central characters inWicked’soriginal run in a fitting nod to the Broadway legends. The scene features a few other prominent cameos in its fun ensemble number, but it bears little significance to the plot.
7Dancing Through Life
“Dancing Through Life"is the real introduction to the rouge playboy Prince Fiyero. With school in session, the students decide to blow off some steam by throwing a party at the Ozdust Ballroom thanks to the charismatic Prince’s influence.
It’s a jovial cast number with some of the best choreography in the film. It’s also the most intimate time the audience spends with Nessarose and is sure to be one of the choruses that sticks longest in the audience’s heads after the credits roll.
6I’m Not That Girl
“I’m Not That Girl"has more significance later in the story, which should berevealed inWicked Part 2.The song occurs just after Elphaba and Fiyero share a tender moment while rescuing a lion cub.
For a moment, Elphaba allows herself to believe that she could settle down and find normality with the dashing Prince, who is currently dating her best friend Glinda. “I’m Not That Girl” is Elphaba then grounding herself in reality and reaffirming her place on the outskirts of society. The song is a sorrowful reminder that, no matter how far she has come to this point, it’s still not far enough.
5No One Mourns The Wicked
This song is a fittingly epic introduction, as the citizens of Oz gleefully stare at the demise of the Wicked Witch of the West.“No One Mourns The Wicked"frames the movie beautifully, featuring some of the melody from “Defying Gravity” in the intro and then reprising it again during the climatic finale as the guards bay for Elphaba’s blood.
It honestly has a lot more impact after seeing the rest of the story and audiences are familiar with Elphaba’s arc. It’s truly heartbreaking to see Glinda leading the chorus of celebration and acts as a solemn reminder of how Elphaba is doomed to fail. Goodness knows the Wicked die alone.
4What Is This Feeling?
“What is This Feeling?“is an excellent and hilarious duet performed with expert chemistry by the two leads. After having some time to settle into their living arrangements, Elphaba and Glinda express their insatiable distaste for each other.
As their peers rally in overwhelming support of Glinda, it reasserts Elphaba’s isolation that she has felt her whole life. A high point in the film’s choreography, “What Is This Feeling?“satisfies as both an intimate duet and a large cast number.
3The Wizard And I
Having recently survived an awkward brush with her peers, Elphaba is inspired by the acclaimed sorcerer Madame Morrible. Imbued with a new-found belief, she rushes out to confess her heart’s greatest desire: To be accepted. It’s arguably the happiest moment of the film for Elphaba, as her shackles of anxiety are cast aside, and she is liberated.
“The Wizard and I"is the first time the story allows Cynthia Erivo to show off her incredible vocal range, and she delivers a chilling performance. It’s a song that bears great significance on her journey, not just in revealing her motivations but in the reprise during “Defying Gravity”, after she discovers the Wizard to be a charlatan, and she avows Glinda as her true inspiration, underpinning the bond they share.
2Popular
Throughout the film,Ariana Granderetains a nuanced duality between being infuriatingly conceited and a kind, caring person. She rewards the audiences' belief in her character with the moment at the Ozdust Ballroom when she joins Elphaba’s solo dance in one of the film’s most beautiful moments.
“Popular"is her attempt to make amends for her treatment of Elphaba and marks the start of their inspiring relationship. The song cleverly doesn’t dispense with that duality, with Glinda still appearing rather shallow if well-intentioned. It’s a heartwarming scene and an incredibly catchy chorus.
1Defying Gravity
The epic crescendo to the film,“Defying Gravity"perfectly encapsulates Elphabla’s emotional journey. Cynthia Erivo delivers an excellent rendition of the complex ballad, with the emotional and vocal support of Ariana Grande’s Glinda.
The song is both triumphant and bittersweet, as Elphaba’s modus operandi up to this point has been to be accepted for who she is. By instead accepting the role of villain thrust upon her, she is confining herself to remain an “other.” Elphaba ultimately chooses her convictions over belonging and still stands strong and defiant in the face of true wickedness.
