Wicked: For Good Review – Stunning Visuals, Weak Emotional Impact

‘Wicked: For Good’ finally arrives as the long-awaited cinematic conclusion to the beloved Broadway saga — but while the film dazzles visually, it struggles to deliver the emotional high viewers expected. Despite powerhouse performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the finale feels visually rich, yet narratively hollow.

From the outset, the film’s biggest drawback is its slow, stretched-out storytelling. The first half moves at a near-glacial pace, extending scenes and songs far longer than needed. The visuals keep you watching, but the momentum stalls, making the narrative feel heavier than intended. Even when the second half builds tension, the film has already lost emotional grip, and several moviegoers reportedly stepped out mid-screening.

A major shift in tone also weighs down the experience. This chapter plunges into themes of political manipulation, propaganda, betrayal, and institutional violence — far removed from the vibrant energy many associate with Wicked. Darkness isn’t new to the franchise, but the imbalance is unmistakable. There’s almost no humour, no softness, and certainly nothing designed for younger audiences. Even adults may find the atmosphere overwhelming.

What saves the film from sinking is the strength of its performances. Cynthia Erivo, as Elphaba, is magnetic — intense, vulnerable and emotionally raw. Her vocals alone deliver the soul that the script doesn’t fully supply. Ariana Grande brings a delicate charm to Glinda, shining especially in quieter, expressive moments. Together, they elevate an otherwise uneven narrative.

The supporting cast is game but underutilised.
– Jeff Goldblum is delightfully sly as the Wizard.
– Michelle Yeoh lends graceful authority to Madame Morrible.
– Jonathan Bailey adds warmth as Fiyero.
– Ethan Slater and Marissa Bode deliver sparks in their limited screen time.
Yet none of them get the depth or space to truly land emotionally.

On the technical front, the film excels. Oz has never looked more opulent. The production design, costume detailing, and world-building are breathtaking. Watching it in IMAX 3D elevates the experience, pulling you deeper into the spectacle. However, even the most stunning visuals can’t sustain a film when the emotional core stays muted.

The music, a defining feature of Wicked, is similarly inconsistent. Cynthia Erivo’s songs soar, but several new additions feel like filler rather than emotional anchors. For a franchise defined by unforgettable melodies, this inconsistency stands out.

The final act tries to weave together emotion and spectacle, but the rush to wrap decades of expectations results in an ending that feels more functional than heartfelt. The resolution works on paper but leaves little lingering emotion.

‘Wicked: For Good’ is undeniably grand — ambitious, visually majestic, and crafted with sincerity. But the uneven pacing, tonal heaviness and lack of emotional bite keep it from being the triumphant finale fans hoped for. It’s a film that looks magnificent, sings beautifully, but rarely feels as magical as Oz once did.

Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)