Wicked: For Good
This review goes out to all my readers and supporters. Be sure to send me suggestions for content to review in 2026. Happy New Year!
Having seen the Broadway musical, I went into Wicked: For Good largely knowing how it would unfold. Even so, this was arguably the movie I looked forward to most this year, as I was eager to see how Jon M. Chu and company would adapt it. Much like the situation of its lead characters, however, my feelings on this follow-up are a bit complicated.
One year after being branded as the public enemy of Oz, Wicked: For Good sees Elphaba continue her campaign against the fraudulent Wizard. Meanwhile, Glinda, now a public figure, is as beloved as ever. But, as lines are crossed and tensions rise, she is gradually pushed to decide if the fulfillment of her dreams is worth the steep cost.
Wicked: For Good is a decidedly frustrating movie, both to its benefit and detriment. An element that displays both aspects is the plot. The conflict will leave you aching to see Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) succeed, and her star-crossed friendship with Glinda (Ariana Grande) continues to pull at your heartstrings. The movie also expands on underdeveloped or unresolved plot threads from the musical, such as the animals’ rights in Oz. However, it still suffers from the same clunky implementation of The Wizard of Oz’s narrative. As a result, the final act feels unevenly paced and raises a few plot holes regarding certain characters, with one in particular sporting a distractingly awkward makeup job. Aside from that, much of my praise for the songs, music, set design, and costuming carries over from the original. The supporting cast is also mostly consistent, with particular praise towards Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater for their subtlety and range.
It certainly has its flaws, but Wicked: For Good is still a film worth seeing for its unflinchingly grounded message. There are times and struggles in life that will test our limits, and not every story gets a happy ending. But, if we’re willing to stand up to injustice and fight for one another, we just might be able to change this world, and our lives, for the better.
Rating: 7/10
