Wicked Movie Adaptation Part One (2024): A Deep Dive Into the Movie Adaptation Versus the Book and Musical

Welcome to my latest review, where I unpack the 2024 Wicked movie adaptation. In this post, I’ll break down what Wicked Part One got right, where it stumbled, and how it compares to both Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and the iconic Broadway musical. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the book, musical, or movie, read on to see my honest take!

Introduction: Setting the Stage

The 2024 film adaptation of Wicked Part One, directed by John M. Chu, is the first installment of a two-part movie series. With a PG rating and a runtime of two hours and 40 minutes, this movie reimagines the world of Oz through the eyes of Elphaba and Glinda during their time at Shiz University. In the film, we witness Elphaba’s journey as an ostracized yet passionate young woman and Glinda’s transformation from a popularity-obsessed student to a more compassionate soul. Their evolving friendship forms the emotional core of the story, highlighting themes of societal pressure and personal growth.

What Worked: Stunning Visuals and Powerful Performances

Production and Costume Design

One of the undeniable strengths of the Wicked movie adaptation is its production design. The depiction of Emerald City, Glinda’s over-the-top glamorous gowns, and even the detailed depiction of Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West are visually stunning. These elements come together to create an immersive world that is both enchanting and true to the musical’s aesthetic.

Standout Performances

Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is a showstopper—she nails every emotional beat, especially in her rendition of “Defying Gravity.” Likewise, Ariana Grande delivers a nuanced performance as Glinda, capturing the depth of her character across those memorable duets. Together, their chemistry as a dynamic duo elevates the film, despite some pacing challenges.

Where the Film Stumbled: Pacing, Depth, and Storytelling

Overambitious Runtime and Pacing Issues

While the movie is a visual treat, its two-hour-and-40-minute runtime feels a bit too long. I was taken aback by the fact that this was a two-part film—a detail I only discovered just before watching! The pacing suffers, and some character arcs, notably the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, feel rushed. There’s also a missed opportunity in developing Fiero’s character arc, which leaves his transformation feeling undercooked.

Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Emotional Depth

Another area where the film falters is in balancing its breathtaking visuals with the emotional depth of the story. Although the production design is flawless, the movie often opts for grand spectacle over intimate, character-driven moments. For example, the complex relationship between Elphaba and her sister Nessa Rose is barely explored, reducing the emotional stakes that made the book so compelling.

Comparing the Movie to the Book and Musical

From Book to Musical to Movie

It’s important to remember that the film is an adaptation of the Broadway musical—which itself is based on Maguire’s darker, politically charged novel. The book delves deeply into themes of oppression and marginalization through Elphaba’s green skin as a symbol of “otherness.” In contrast, the movie opts for a more straightforward narrative that simplifies these darker themes, likely to appeal to a broader, family-friendly audience.

Characterizations and Narrative Tone

The portrayal of the Wizard is another point of divergence. In the novel, he’s a manipulative, tyrannical figure; the film, however, offers a more nuanced version. This softening of the character is one of many adjustments that, while making the movie accessible, also dilutes some of the moral ambiguity and depth that made the book so compelling.

Final Thoughts and What’s Next

In summary, Wicked Part One is a visual spectacle with standout performances and gorgeous production design. However, its lengthy runtime and simplified narrative leave much to be desired in terms of character development and emotional depth. With part two on the horizon, there’s hope that the sequel will address these shortcomings and offer a more satisfying conclusion.

If you haven’t already, now is a great time to get your hands on the novel Wicked. You can get a copy on Amazon.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—did you know it was a two-part movie? How do you feel about the pacing and character arcs? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!