The opening of Wicked: For Good feels like a run-on sentence from the first — the sequel picks up with the same intensity and pace. Starting smack dab in the story, only five years later, makes for a great hook right at the beginning. While the high production value and excellent musical quality keep up this interest, fans of the Wizard of Oz and the original musical may be left wanting, as the story develops.
This sequel to Jon Chu’s 2024 film (the highest-grossing musical film adaptation) sees Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba being labelled the “Wicked Witch of the West”, and as the plot thickens, other witches arise too. In her quest to fight the Wizard and his plots against the animals of Oz, Elphaba battles the weight of her infamous reputation and the misconstruing of her actions. The development and realisation of various story arcs shine in the film — Nessa, Boq and the Wizard among them. However, in addition to Fiyero’s journey into a more honest version of himself, it is Glinda’s gradual and complex growth that draws one in.
The sequel dwells more on the depth of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship, complete with a teary and powerful duet. Erivo and Ariana Grande’s performances remain spectacular, with the soundtrack really allowing both their vocal ranges to stand out. Jonathan Bailey brings his classic, familiar yearning, but also delivers the intensity his character requires. The depiction of Madame Morrible comes off clumsy and exaggerated at many points. The subtle, seemingly hurried focus on Dorothy and her troupe may be disappointing to some as well.
The story is powerful, in its reflections on the ideas of “goodness”, “wickedness” and the public need for figures to support and blame alike. However, even apart from these interesting explorations, the costumes and sets make the film extremely enjoyable to watch. The grand scale of the production is evident, with larger-than-life set-ups and colour schemes that both captivate and delight, in a pleasant way.
Wicked: For Good ultimately holds up, as a sequel, in how it completes the story in a satisfying way. It matches the tone and quality of the first, and though the story may be less thrilling, the second film nearly surpasses it in visual appeal and depth of characterisation.