More than 20 years after its Broadway debut, the musical “Wicked” sets out to conquer French audiences at the cinema this Wednesday, December 4.
Director Jon M. Chu works miracles in an absolutely breathtaking adaptation of this genesis of the “Wizard of Oz”.
A bubble of kindness in which we willingly allow ourselves to be enclosed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, perfect in every way in the role of apprentice witches who are completely opposite.
Barbie had adorned the world with pink. Wicked adds a touch of green, that of the skin of the shy Elphaba. An institution on Broadway where it has been performed without interruption since its launch in 2003, the musical offers an adaptation worthy of its legend. A magical parenthesis that Hollywood has been trying to make its own for more than ten years, until now without success. We had to wait for the planets to align under the direction of filmmaker Jon M. Chu to bring to life a film as dazzling as it is moving, also political, punctuated by the songs that made the show a success.
A sublime immersive universe
Before the musical, there was the novel by Gregory Maguire published in 1995. Author of a dozen works for children, he signed with Wicked his first book for adults. The American writer reinvents the history of Wizard of Oz by focusing on what is happening before the arrival of young Dorothy in these enchanted lands. The show sets to music Elphaba's meeting at Shiz University with the popular Glinda and her candy pink world. Their funny friendship will be tested, song after song, until one becomes the villain – “wicked” in English – Witch of the West and the other the Good Witch.
“Are people born wicked or is wickedness forced upon them?”asks a character during the superb opening sequence which sets the tone for the 2 hours and 40 minutes that follow. It's a long time on paper, but time passes at breakneck speed because the universe is so immersive. We enter Oz and never want to leave it, even wishing we could wander around these settings partly built in the studio for greater authenticity. The visual effects – sublime! – make us believe that this world exists. Even when the lessons are given by a talking goat.
We also dream of being able to join in the catchy choreographies that are already delighting social networks. Behind the camera for two films in the franchise Sexy Dance and of Where we come fromanother little miracle adapted from Broadway, Jon M. Chu navigates his camera like no other in the middle of the dance numbers, one of which reveals unsuspected talents in Jonathan Bailey.
The English actor, revealed internationally by the series The Bridgerton Chronicles, displays all his charm in the boots of Prince Fiyero, with whom the two girlfriends will fall in love. But it is undoubtedly Ariana Grande's performance which risks surprising the most. Endowed with impeccable comic timing, the American singer portrays a hilarious Glinda with an unrivaled throw of hair.
The first part of the trip
Her crystalline and almost operatic voice on certain pieces – all performed live on set – blends perfectly with the more serious voice of the British Cynthia Erivo, who particularly gives shivers on the final note of “Defying Gravity”, LA flagship song of the show. In tears in the interview, the duo made a lot of talk during the promotional tour. But the emotion transmitted by the film is enough to understand the emotion that drives the two actresses. Wickedit is as much a very lovely story of friendship as it is an ode to difference and tolerance. A message to all those who have felt left out but also a warning. Because Elphaba and Glinda live in a world of Oz where magic does not prevent the rise of fascism.
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Already twice nominated for the Oscars, Cynthia Erivo could well win a third nomination. The American specialist press is already predicting a slew of statuettes for this musical comedy which has everyone in agreement across the Atlantic. After having largely conquered the American box office against Gladiator II, Wicked is ready to bewitch French cinemas for which Universal has prepared a French version, songs included, allowing the little ones to board the train to Oz.
The good news is that the journey is not over yet. A second part, featuring songs from the second act of the show as well as previously unreleased tracks by original composer Stephen Schwartz, is expected in theaters in November 2025. You're not done wanting to sing.
>> Wicked (2h40) – with Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, currently in cinemas
