The second and concluding half of Jon M. Chu's monumental adaptation of the Broadway musical, Wicked: For Good, arrives with the enormous pressure of delivering a satisfying emotional and narrative payoff. Set in the lush, visually captivating world of Oz, this Fantasy spectacular continues the story of the unlikely and profound friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. The film is a gorgeous celebration of Music and spectacle, focusing on the moment when personal choices seal public fates: Elphaba embraces her identity as the "Wicked Witch of the West," while Glinda accepts the mantle of "Glinda the Good."
This chapter is a masterclass in emotional delivery, successfully converting the stage show’s core themes of found Family, sacrifice, and identity into compelling cinema. My overall impression is that For Good finds its emotional true North in the tear-stained farewell between its two leads. While the film occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambition (and some superfluous new songs), it concludes the saga with soaring vocal performances and a deeply resonant message about the lasting power of genuine friendship.
Story and Screenplay
The screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox focuses tightly on the high-stakes consequences set in motion by the first film. The plot is less about grand exposition and more about character decisions under duress. After challenging the Wizard’s totalitarian regime, Elphaba must live with the consequences of her "wicked" reputation, while Glinda is forced to act as the regime’s cheerful face.
The central Drama of the narrative is the agonizing strain placed on the relationship between the two witches. The story structure is effective in making their individual choices feel weighty, especially as they relate to the political upheaval in Oz. The core Romance thread, involving Fiyero, plays a crucial role in both the narrative tension and Elphaba’s final, devastating choice. While the film is "packed with visions and weirdness and general creep" (a quote referencing the film's energy), it occasionally loses focus due to the inclusion of new, unnecessary musical numbers by Stephen Schwartz and a "laughably regrettable" decision involving Jeff Goldblum's Wizard that disrupts the otherwise sincere tone.
Acting and Characters
The success of Wicked: For Good rests squarely on the shoulders and vocal talents of its leading stars, Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), and their chemistry is undeniable. Erivo delivers a powerful, soul-stirring performance as Elphaba, seamlessly embodying both the witch’s raw anger and her vulnerable, deep-seated desire for justice.
Ariana Grande is equally compelling, showcasing Glinda’s transformation from superficial popularity to conflicted maturity, using her clear, effortless vocal range to magnificent effect. Their relationship is the film's beating heart, culminating in their final duet, "For Good," which is sung with an emotional conviction that is truly moving, solidifying the theme of friendship as a form of Romance. Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero provides a dashing and necessary anchor for the love triangle, ensuring the emotional stakes of his Family lineage are felt. The supporting cast, including Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, contribute well to the grand Fantasy spectacle.
Direction and Technical Aspect
Director Jon M. Chu once again proves his affinity for translating major stage productions to the screen. The film is a magnificent visual feast, utilizing elaborate costumes and gorgeous art direction to bring the world of Oz to breathtaking life. Chu’s direction is marked by a deep appreciation for the source material, delivering grand, engrossing group numbers (like "March of the Witch Hunters") with clarity and infectious energy.
The technical execution is flawless, creating a sweeping Fantasy aesthetic that immerses the audience. Chu understands that the emotional stakes are the highest when his two leads are together, and he directs their scenes with an intimate, teary-eyed focus, emphasizing the Family bond between the women. He expertly ensures that even amidst the dazzling scale of the production, the personal Drama of the two witches remains central.
Soundtrack and Atmosphere
The atmosphere of Wicked: For Good is one of bittersweet melancholy and soaring triumph. It is a film steeped in the power of Music, using Stephen Schwartz’s iconic score to dictate the emotional landscape.
The highlight of the entire experience is the emotional weight carried by the final songs. The famous duet, "For Good," is not just sung; it is lived by Erivo and Grande, creating a moment of lasting power that epitomizes the theme of sacrificial Romance in friendship. The score and the overall feel of the film are designed to sweep the audience away with infectious energy, affirming that the ultimate strength of this saga lies in its lyrical beauty and vocal power.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Vocal Performances and Chemistry: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are sensational, especially in their emotional scenes.
- Spectacle and Design: Gorgeous costumes, elaborate sets, and masterfully staged Music numbers.
- Emotional Payoff: The film provides a satisfying and deeply moving conclusion to the main Drama and Romance threads.
- Infectious Energy: It retains the vibrant, celebratory feel of a beloved musical.
- Superfluous New Songs: The new additions to the soundtrack are mostly unnecessary and slow the pace.
- Minor Plot Stumbles: A brief, "regrettable" moment involving the Wizard is distracting.
- Over-reliance on Sentiment: The film occasionally prioritizes emotional closure over narrative sharpness.
Final Verdict
Wicked: For Good is a gorgeous, heartfelt, and ultimately satisfying conclusion to a beloved modern Fantasy. It delivers on the promise of spectacular Music and soaring emotional Drama, proving that the story of Elphaba and Glinda is a timeless, profound narrative about the Family we choose.
Anchored by the brilliant, tear-stained chemistry of its leads, this film is a triumphant piece of cinematic musical theatre that will delight fans and newcomers alike. It is a powerful reminder that "Good" is far more complicated than "Wicked" and that friendship can change you for the better. Read the full analysis of this riveting Romance in this Movie Review. This is mandatory viewing among the 2025 Films.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
 Movie Review: A Sentimental, Soaring Finale That Lands Its Emotional Punch){kind=link}
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