Caution: This review will contain spoilers for Broadway’s Wicked and the film Wicked.

In October of 2003, Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s Broadway musical Wicked debuted on stage. The production took the musical theater world by storm, and soon became one of the most popular Broadway shows of all time. Around twenty years later, director Jon M. Chu set out to direct the film adaptation of the beloved musical, and it has become just as successful as the original show.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo shine on screen as Glinda and Elphaba, the main characters. Also among the cast are Ethan Slater and Jonathan Bailey, portraying the secondary roles of Boq and Fiyero. Marissa Bode plays Nessarose, a disabled student at Shiz. Bode is the first ever authentically disabled actress to portray Nessarose.

The story follows Galinda Upland (later on known as, simply, Glinda), who is portrayed by Ariana Grande and goes on to become The Wizard of Oz’s Good Witch, as she navigates college life at Shiz University in Oz.

Glinda comes across brand new student Elphaba Thropp (played by Cynthia Erivo), Wicked’s younger version of the Wicked Witch of the West, and is taken aback, given that her skin is green. The two instantly establish themselves as enemies, due to their very different personalities and worldviews. None of that is helped by the fact that Glinda inadvertently volunteers herself to be Elphaba’s roommate.

Elphaba, a strong-willed and studious girl with the ability to do magic, is studying hard in order to one day meet and prove herself to the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) himself. Cynthia Erivo’s stunning vocals are revealed in “When I Meet the Wizard,” Elphaba’s hopeful solo song.

As the story progresses, Glinda’s obsession with popularity and Elphaba’s lack thereof remain the same, up until the moment that Glinda chooses to stand by her roommate in the face of embarrassment. The two then become steadfast friends, and Glinda supports Elphaba on her journey to meet the Wizard: she wants him to help the animals of Oz, who are facing discrimination. This plan is derailed, however, when Elphaba realizes that the Wizard has no real power, and had planned to manipulate her and her magic.

Before this, though, the pair travel to the infamous Emerald City, and have a “lifetime of fun” in “One Short Day.” During this number, the original actresses for Glinda and Elphaba, Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, make a surprise appearance. Though the cameo may not be recognizable by those who are not theater fanatics or Broadway fans, the actresses blend seamlessly into the world of Oz, and their singing voices do not disappoint.

The climax of the film is then reached as Elphaba begins singing the popular number “Defying Gravity.” The song begins after she realizes she’s been lied to by the Wizard, and is a powerful symbol of harnessing her power and realizing her own self-worth.

An emotionally-charged number, the song makes for the perfect end to the film, as Elphaba and Glinda decide to amicably part ways, with Elphaba heading west to hide from the Wizard. Cynthia’s extensive range and high notes captivate audiences, and she finishes out the song with her famous battle cry, a riff special to her portrayal of Elphaba. The screen turns dark as she flies away, with the words “To Be Continued” on the screen.

Part One of Wicked has taken the entertainment world by storm, and for good reason. Ariana Grande, usually known only for her Nickelodeon roles and pop albums, is allowed to showcase her inner “theater kid” in the role of Glinda. Her acting skills shine through, and she’s able to display her range as both an artist and actress.

Cynthia Erivo’s performance as Elphaba is unforgettable, as well. A seasoned Broadway star herself, Erivo brings a certain life to the character that many fans haven’t seen before. She is also the second African-American woman to play the character. So much of the reason viewers relate to Elphaba on a personal level is because of Cynthia’s touching performance and ability to convey complex emotion on the screen. Aside from her acting skills, she’s a phenomenal singer, and truly makes Elphaba’s numbers her own with her powerful voice.

Wicked is a touching story for people of all ages to enjoy. It certainly relates to audiences who have often felt lonely or outcasted, but also reflects the true joy and wonder of finding a real friend. Watching Glinda and Elphaba work around their differences and craft a friendship so pure is one of the many reasons the movie has resonated with such a wide audience. Although the story ends bittersweet, part two, titled Wicked: For Good (set to release in November of 2025), is sure to captivate audiences with the same magic as part one.