The highly anticipated musical film Wicked: For Good, directed by John M. Chu, is now available for streaming on Netflix as of July 20. This release allows audiences to revisit or discover the continuation of the story first introduced in the 2024 film, Wicked. Both films adapt Stephen Schwartz's beloved Broadway musical, which itself is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel.
Wicked: For Good picks up a year after the events of the first film. Cynthia Erivo returns as Elphaba Thropp, now a fugitive from The Wizard of Oz, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, and his associate Madame Morrible. Elphaba's efforts to expose the Wizard's tyranny have inadvertently led the citizens of Oz to brand her as wicked. Meanwhile, Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, must confront her complicity in the oppressive regime.
The performances of Erivo and Grande as Elphaba and Glinda have been lauded as a highlight of the adaptation. The sequel deepens their complex relationship, featuring more shared scenes that underscore their profound bond. The chemistry between the two leads is noted as particularly strong, making their moments apart keenly felt and their reunions a significant emotional anchor.
This central relationship is portrayed as a powerful force, with the affection between Elphaba and Glinda overshadowing any romantic entanglements, such as Glinda's relationship with Fiyero, played by Jonathan Bailey. The narrative successfully navigates a potential love triangle without compromising the strength of their friendship.
Director John M. Chu's approach to translating the musical's songs into a visual medium is a key element of the films' success. While the first movie captures a more optimistic and whimsical tone reflecting the characters' time at school, Wicked: For Good adopts a darker palette to mirror the escalating hardships faced by Elphaba and Glinda and the strain on their relationship. The music serves as a potent narrative device, evolving alongside the characters and their circumstances.
The adaptation's success lies in its understanding that the dynamic between Elphaba and Glinda is the emotional core of the Wicked story. Even for viewers unfamiliar with the original stage musical or novel, the films provide a comprehensive and resonant exploration of what makes the story so enduring for its fans.
