Few musicals maintain cultural relevance for more than 20 years, yet Wicked continues to attract new audiences while drawing longtime fans back into the Emerald City. This long-awaited sequel arrived in theaters on Nov. 21 with high expectations from audiences who grew up with the soundtrack or the stage production’s iconic status. After watching this movie twice, I can confidently say it succeeds in translating the emotions of the story to the big screen.
For fans already familiar with the Broadway musical, Wicked: For Good will not feel entirely new, as much of the story follows established beats. In many ways, the movie feels like a companion piece rather than a bold reinterpretation. In contrast, audiences whose first exposure to the Wicked universe came from the 2024 film may find the sequel more engaging, as it adds backstory, motivation, and emotional nuance to the characters they had only just met. This sequel succeeds in its portrayal of Elphaba. The film leans heavily into her emotions, using intimate shots and careful pacing to highlight her feelings of being an outsider.
The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda remains the emotional core of the story, and Wicked: For Good handles it with attention and restraint. Shown in the songs “What Is This Feeling?”, “One Short Day,” and “Defying Gravity,” their bond shifts from rivalry to friendship to something more complex and bittersweet. However, no moment captures the heart of their relationship more clearly than the performance of “For Good.”
This scene is the centerpiece of the film; Elphaba and Glinda’s voices intertwine with a sincerity that cuts through the movie. This powerful duet is when Wicked: For Good truly becomes its own film.
Still, even with this standout scene, I prefer the original movie. Its storytelling felt more immediate, its pacing more dynamic, and its overall execution more engaging.
Ultimately, Wicked: For Good is a well-constructed extension of the world of Oz and effectively captures the essence of the original musical. It may not live up to its predecessor, but it has changed me—for good.
