One year after ‘Wicked’ hit theaters and charmed the world, the highly anticipated conclusion has finally arrived.

Jon M. Chu pulls off a surprisingly elegant feat with this tightly focused second chapter of the gargantuan Oz-mythos musical. The film keeps the technicolor shimmer and Broadway snap of its predecessor, complete with those delightfully offbeat proclamations with Oz. But this time around, the story smartly tightens its grip on the emotional core: Glinda the Good, Elphaba the allegedly “Wicked,” the Wizard himself, and the charming Prince Fiyero. Unsurprisingly, hearts are bruised and loyalties are tested.

The cast continues to deliver: Jeff Goldblum turns in a slyly formidable Wizard, using that signature charisma to draw you in before revealing something more sinister under the surface. Jonathan Bailey dials up the earnest intensity as a newly grounded Fiyero — which may not be to the liking of some. But what about our stars? Ariana Grande keeps Glinda feather-light and luminous once again, even if she gets fewer comedic fireworks in ‘Part II.’ But the gravitational center of the film is Cynthia Erivo. She delivers an Elphaba of towering presence and surprising tenderness, a performance that feels like it’s chiseling itself into the all-time great musical performances.

So, how does this prequel thread itself into the familiar tapestry of the 1939 classic? The film navigates Elphaba’s supposed descent into villainy and Glinda’s emotional distance with a surprisingly deft tragicomic tone. It doesn’t all land perfectly, but when it does, it soars.

Dorothy’s sudden arrival ushers in the final act and gives the film an excuse to sprinkle in origin-story breadcrumbs for the eventual trio of companions. Some of these mini-myths feel cheekily superhero-adjacent, but the Scarecrow’s arc is oddly tangled and arrives with more confusion than revelation, leaving a few narrative wires exposed. Though the film is arguably more focused than the first instalment, it somehow feels less tight.

Still, the emotional payoff comes courtesy of Erivo. Hearing Grande and Erivo belt out note after note—taking us on a sensitive journey using their full vocal ranges—is indeed something magical, and demands to be seen and heard on the big-screen.

The film may wobble in spots, but strong central performances will keep audiences hooked.

Our score: ★★★★☆
(out of 5 stars)

Featured