By Eloise Fenton, Year 11
Wicked: For Good, also known as Wicked: Part Two, is a musical fantasy film. Directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. It is the sequel to Wicked (2024) and adapts the second act of the 2003 musical Wicked. This movie concludes the story between characters and makes us wonder where their lives will go on. Wicked, a story that has held the heart of fans for years, is a timeless classic, and this movie doesn’t disappoint. The visuals, acting, and singing really expand on the world of Oz and bring the audience in. Though Wicked: For Good isn’t as good as Wicked, the first part, this was to be expected since even the musical has had the same problem from act 1 to act 2. Still, it’s a film I believe is worth watching.
Wicked: For Good does not pick up right after the first part, though, but instead has a time skip. Elphaba has run off away from society and, with the help of Madam Morrible and the Wizard, has been fully portrayed by the public as the Wicked Witch. Though Elephaba stands strong, trying to show how corrupt The Wizard is and give equal rights to the animals and other citizens of Oz. On the other hand, Glinda has become a political figure, rising to some power and labelled as Glinda the Good, a symbol of hope to the citizens, though she is really used for propaganda to help Madam Morrible and The Wizard get what they want. Between Glinda, Fiyero, Elphaba, Nessa, The Wizard and Madam Morrible all having different views and wants for how Oz should be, political tensions rise, making it one of the scariest times to live in Oz. This film shows the important decisions Elphaba and Glinda have to make. Elphaba acknowledges that she has the option to choose to be happy and protect herself or risk everything and do what is morally right. On the other hand, Glinda struggles with choosing between the one friend that’s ever really mattered to her or the dream she’s had since she was a kid. Both characters fight to choose who they want to become and, at the end, forgive, accept, change, and let go. This is demonstrated through the sequence of For Good, an emotional turning point in the film. It uses its heartfelt lyrics and powerful performances by Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) to showcase the sacrifices, friendships, and the change in their future, wrapping up the story for good.
Cynthia Erivo’s performance was remarkable. Cynthia is able to bring a new emotional depth to Elphaba. She is able to show the characters’ bravery balanced with her struggles and vulnerability with powerful vocals that carry strength and pain. On the other hand, Ariana Grande is able to portray the growth of Glinda beautifully. Not only did she have a unique charm and humour in Act One, but she was also able to give Glinda an emotional depth that many actresses struggle with. Together, Cynthia and Ariana have unmatched chemistry that is able to feel genuine and beyond the screen, giving the story its emotional core. The emotional complexity of their friendship is the true highlight of the film. During key moments like For Good, Cynthia and Ariana’s talent was undeniable. Their performance demonstrates the love and loss between the characters and solidifies the moving climax. The final musical performances are dealt with such intensity and purpose. Songs like “No Good Deed”, “As Long as You’re Mine”, and “For Good” have such incredible vocal performances, along with visual staging that intensifies the emotional impact. Each one of these songs feels earned, helping bring both of the arcs and themes to a conclusion that will leave you speechless. Another amazing detail about the films is the visuals. The visuals help build on the already established world, expanding on Oz with realistic yet magical effects, sets and Oscar Award-winning costumes. The world-building helps support the tone of the story as well. It’s dark when tensions rise and brighter when hopeful moments arise, making the visuals an important part of the storytelling. Wicked: For Good ending ties the movie into a whole emotional and political thread of the story, making a conclusion that feels satisfying yet meaningful.
The story of Wicked feels very relevant in today’s political climate. This is due to how it highlights how easily the truth can be manipulated by those in power, constantly feeding the media propaganda. Throughout the film, we see how society labels individuals as wicked or good based on fear, rumours or crafted propaganda rather than facts. This mirrors the real world when misinformation has never been able to travel faster and people are constantly blaming each other instead of those in power. The film’s themes of control, power and public perception encourage us, the audience, to question what we are told and to think critically about who benefits from the stories we are told to believe. The core of the movie reminds us of the importance of empathy and to look beyond where we come from, appearances or assumptions, and that understanding others’ views and perspectives can help lead to a fair, compassionate world.
In conclusion, Wicked: For Good delivers a powerful finale to the Wicked story. It wraps up the characters’ journey in an emotional yet satisfying way, and the song “For Good” makes the final moments very moving. I recommend this movie to anyone who loves musicals or a heartfelt story about friendship.
