Wicked: For Good Review
- Joao Nsita
- 8 hours ago
- 9 min read
There’s a certain magic that happens when a beloved story finally reaches its crescendo. It’s a mix of anticipation, nostalgia, and the bittersweet realization that the journey is coming to an end. For the millions of fans who have been enchanted by the world of Oz, the arrival of Wicked: For Good—the second part of Jon M. Chu’s ambitious cinematic adaptation—is nothing short of a cultural event. The first film, released a year ago, defied skeptics and gravity alike, delivering a vibrant, Technicolor spectacle that proved the movie musical was far from dead. Now, the curtain rises on the final act, a film that trades some of the first installment's peppy energy for a deeper, darker, and more emotionally resonant exploration of power, friendship, and the true cost of doing the right thing.
In the trend-driven landscape of late 2025, Wicked has become more than just a movie; it’s a full-blown aesthetic. On TikTok and Pinterest, the "Glinda vs. Elphaba" duality is a massive trend, inspiring everything from "Pink vs. Green" fashion battles to makeup tutorials celebrating both ethereal glow and witchy glam. The film taps directly into the "female friendship" zeitgeist, celebrating a bond that is messy, complicated, and ultimately life-changing. It also resonates with the modern craving for "villain origin stories" that challenge our perceptions of good and evil. Wicked: For Good is not just a conclusion; it’s a conversation starter, a visual feast, and a powerful reminder of why we fell in love with these characters in the first place.
This review is your deep dive into the film that completes the saga. We’ll explore the stunning performances, the shift in tone, the musical highs (and lows), and why this movie, despite its flaws, is a must-watch event that will leave you—like the young women in my screening—reaching for the tissues.
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The Shift in Tone: From Technicolor Dream to Darker Reality
If the first Wicked film was a bright, bubbly introduction to the world of Shiz University and the sparkling Emerald City, Wicked: For Good is the hangover after the party. The film picks up years later, and the political landscape of Oz has darkened considerably. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is now a fugitive, a "wicked" witch hunted by the state, while Glinda (Ariana Grande) has ascended to the role of a beloved, albeit manipulated, figurehead. The vibrant, candy-colored optimism of the first film has been replaced by a more somber, urgent tone.
This shift is both necessary and jarring. As critic John Nugent notes, the film is "less peppy, more glum," a reflection of the story’s turn towards authoritarianism and persecution. The once-fun world of Oz is now a place where animals are stripped of their rights and dissent is crushed. This darker atmosphere allows for a deeper exploration of the film’s central themes: the nature of propaganda, the corruption of power, and the courage it takes to stand alone. While some viewers may miss the joyous energy of "Dancing Through Life," this maturity gives the film a narrative weight that feels earned. It’s a story that has grown up along with its characters, a trajectory similar to the one we see in the best teen movies about mental health.
The Performances: A Tale of Two Witches
The heart of Wicked has always been the dynamic between its two leads, and in For Good, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande prove once again that they are a match made in casting heaven. Erivo remains a vocal powerhouse, her performance grounded in a fierce, unshakeable integrity. Her Elphaba is a woman pushed to the brink, exhausted by the fight but unwilling to compromise her beliefs. Her rendition of "No Good Deed" is a highlight, a desperate, soaring anthem of frustration and power that showcases her incredible range.
However, it is Ariana Grande who truly shines in this second chapter. As David Rooney observes, Glinda "gains in stature here," evolving from a bubbly, self-absorbed socialite into a complex, conflicted leader. Grande brings a surprising depth to the role, capturing Glinda’s internal struggle as she realizes the hollowness of her popularity and the manipulation of those around her. Her performance of the new song, "The Girl in the Bubble," is a moment of genuine vulnerability, a quiet, introspective counterpoint to the film’s grander spectacles. The chemistry between the two women is the film’s greatest special effect, culminating in the emotional powerhouse of the title track, "For Good." Their duet is a testament to the enduring power of female friendship, a theme as potent as any found in the best Gilmore Girls episodes.
Stream Wicked: For Good now on Peacock.
The Music: Hits, Misses, and New Additions
Adapting a musical as iconic as Wicked is a high-wire act, and For Good faces the challenge of working with the show's second act, which is notoriously lighter on "bangers" than the first. The absence of a showstopper like "Defying Gravity" is felt, and the film relies heavily on reprises and darker, more narrative-driven songs. The two new songs written by Stephen Schwartz, "No Place Like Home" for Elphaba and "The Girl in the Bubble" for Glinda, are solid additions that help flesh out the characters' internal emotional landscapes, even if they don't quite reach the anthemic heights of the original score.
Despite this, the musical execution remains top-tier. The orchestrations are lush and expansive, filling the cinema with a rich, symphonic sound that matches the grandeur of the visuals. The use of underscoring is particularly effective, weaving musical motifs from the first film into the fabric of the second to create a sense of continuity and emotional resonance. While you might not leave the theater humming a brand-new tune, the musical storytelling is effective, driving the plot forward and deepening our understanding of the characters. It’s a soundtrack that rewards careful listening, much like the intricate layers of a Taylor Swift album.
External Link: The official Wicked the Musical website is a great resource for comparing the stage show's song list with the film's.
The Visual Spectacle: A Feast for the Eyes
One thing is undeniable: Wicked: For Good is stunning to look at. Director Jon M. Chu and his design team have created a world that is rich, detailed, and endlessly imaginative. From the towering, art-deco inspired architecture of the Emerald City to the dark, twisted forests where Elphaba hides, every frame is a painting. The costume design by Paul Tazewell is a highlight, with Glinda’s gowns becoming increasingly elaborate and symbolic of her trapped status as a figurehead, while Elphaba’s iconic black dress evolves into a symbol of her rebellion.
The film also embraces the fantastical elements of Oz with gusto. The flying monkeys are terrifying, the magic effects are dazzling, and the sheer scale of the production is breathtaking. While some critics have noted that the frame can feel "overstuffed," this busyness often works in the film’s favor, creating a sense of a world that is vibrant, chaotic, and alive. It’s a film that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible, a visual spectacle that rivals the greatest MCU masterpieces.
Connecting to the Canon: The Wizard of Oz
One of the most delightful aspects of Wicked: For Good is how it weaves its story into the fabric of the original 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. The film plays a clever game of "connect the dots," revealing the tragic and surprising origins of beloved characters like the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. These reveals are handled with a mix of horror and heart, adding a new layer of depth to the familiar icons.
The presence of Dorothy is handled with a playful, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern" touch. We see her farmhouse crash-land, we glimpse her skipping down the Yellow Brick Road, but she remains a peripheral figure, a chaotic agent of change who is often more of an annoyance to our protagonists than a hero. This shift in perspective is the film's masterstroke, forcing us to re-examine a story we thought we knew. It turns the "wicked" witch into a tragic hero and the "good" witch into a complicated survivor. It’s a brilliant act of narrative reframing, similar to the way modern retellings often breathe new life into classic tales.
The Supporting Cast: Stealing the Scene
While the film belongs to its two leads, the supporting cast provides a rich tapestry of performances that elevate the material. Michelle Yeoh is deliciously sinister as Madame Morrible, playing the character not as a cartoon villain, but as a pragmatic, ruthless political operative. Jeff Goldblum brings his signature eccentric charm to the Wizard, making him a feckless, insecure con man who is all too easy to believe as a puppet ruler. His performance is a masterclass in droll, stuttering charisma that hides a hollow core.
Jonathan Bailey also shines as Fiyero, bringing a newfound gravitas to the role. He sheds the carefree, playboy image of the first film to become a weary, principled soldier who is torn between his duty and his love. His chemistry with both leads is palpable, grounding the film’s romantic subplot in genuine emotion. Even the smaller roles, like Ethan Slater’s Boq and Marissa Bode’s Nessarose, are given moments to shine, their tragic arcs adding to the film’s overall sense of melancholy and loss. It’s an ensemble that works together seamlessly, a quality shared by the cast of The Bear.
External Link: People Magazine's interview with Jonathan Bailey offers insight into his approach to the character and his "Sexiest Man Alive" status.
The Verdict: A Worthy Finale
Is Wicked: For Good a perfect movie? No. It suffers from some pacing issues, a few lackluster musical moments, and a runtime that can feel punishing. But is it a satisfying conclusion to this epic saga? Absolutely. It is a film that respects its audience and its source material, delivering a finale that is emotionally earned and visually spectacular. It honours the complexity of its characters, refusing to give them easy outs or simple happy endings.
Ultimately, the film succeeds because it understands that the true magic of Wicked isn't in the flying monkeys or the green skin; it’s in the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. It’s a love story between two friends who change each other for the better, "for good." It’s a message that resonates deeply in our polarized world, a reminder of the power of empathy, forgiveness, and seeing the humanity in those who are different from us. It is a film that will leave fans cheering, crying, and singing along, a fitting end to a cinematic journey that truly defied gravity.
Watch Wicked: For Good Out in Cinemas now
Conclusion
Wicked: For Good is a grand, sweeping, and deeply emotional finale that cements the two-part adaptation as a landmark in the history of movie musicals. While it may trade some of the first film's joy for a darker, more mature tone, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for fans who have grown up with this story. It is a celebration of friendship, a critique of power, and a visual masterpiece that demands to be seen. So, grab your best friend, prepare your heart, and get ready for one last trip to the Emerald City.
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FAQs
Do I need to see the first Wicked movie before watching For Good? Yes, absolutely. For Good is a direct continuation of the first film, and you will be completely lost without the context of the characters' relationships and the plot setup from Part 1.
Is the movie suitable for children? The film is rated PG, but it is darker and more intense than the first film. It deals with themes of persecution, political corruption, and emotional trauma. Parents should use their discretion, but it is generally suitable for older children and teens.
How long is the movie? Wicked: For Good has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes.
Are there any new songs in the movie? Yes, there are two new songs written specifically for the film: "No Place Like Home" (sung by Elphaba) and "The Girl in the Bubble" (sung by Glinda).
Does the movie follow the stage musical exactly? While it follows the main plot beats of the stage show, the film expands on the world and the characters, adding new scenes and deepening certain storylines, particularly the political aspects of Oz.
Is Dorothy in the movie? Dorothy appears in the film, but she is largely a background character. We see her arrival and her actions from the perspective of the other characters, but she does not have a speaking role.
Where can I stream the movie? The film is currently available to stream on Peacock.
Will there be an extended cut? There has been no official announcement of an extended cut, but given the sheer amount of material filmed, it is a possibility for a future home media release.
Who plays the Cowardly Lion? The Cowardly Lion is a CGI character voiced by the incredible Colman Domingo.
Is this the end of the Wicked franchise? This film concludes the story of the musical adaptation. However, given the massive success of the films and the rich world of Oz, future spin-offs or adaptations of Gregory Maguire's other books are always a possibility.
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