What critics are saying about ‘Wicked: For Good’

Critics unite on Wicked: For Good’s emotional impact

Critics have overwhelmingly praised Wicked: For Good as a heartbreaking and emotionally resonant conclusion to the beloved Broadway adaptation. This second film has earned consistent acclaim from major publications for its deeper character exploration and stunning execution.

The movie delivers on fan expectations with expanded storylines and powerful performances. Director Jon M. Chu successfully brings the Emerald City’s darkness to the silver screen.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s powerhouse performances elevate the narrative

Cynthia Erivo delivers a genuinely moving portrayal of Elphaba, showcasing her unforced emotional intensity and powerhouse vocals that shake audiences. The Guardian noted that watching Erivo perform is transformative, especially when Prince Fiyero reveals Elphaba’s beauty.

Ariana Grande surpasses her previous work, taking her role to new heights with surprising depth and nuance. Grande brings fragility to Glinda’s character, showing vulnerability the first film only hinted at.

The sequel tackles complex themes with maturity and unflinching honesty

Wicked: For Good embraces a darker, more serious territory from its opening moments, exploring guilt, betrayal, and desire in complex ways. The deeper strings of John Powell’s score establish this isn’t fun world-exploration but intimate character struggles.

Both lead tackle messier, more conflicted material, revealing their characters’ true moral complexity. Erivo’s Elphaba feels worlds away from her Shiz days, shorter-tempered, more indignant, yet gradually softening as the story progresses.

The film fixes stage show complaints about their friendship

Critics celebrated how Jon M. Chu’s film gives Glinda and Elphaba more scenes and songs together, creating a robust tale that feels complete. Variety noted this directly addresses common criticism of the stage production.

The central conflict between Elphaba’s devotion to truth and Glinda’s preference for comfort creates genuine tension that resonates emotionally. By the film’s conclusion, their bond transformation feels earned rather than convenient.

“For Good” serves as a legitimate tearjerker that justifies the theatrical experience

The duet finale that gives the film its name brings audiences to genuine tears, with Roger Ebert describing it as poignant and intimate. Erivo and Grande find the exact right amount of tenderness and sadness, allowing their bond to shine.

Young theatre fans in preview screenings couldn’t contain their emotions, with critics watching grown adults sobbing throughout. Bring tissues—the emotional payoff is absolutely real and unforgettable.

Erivo’s powerhouse vocals shine brightest in “No Good Deed”

“No Good Deed” emerged as one of the film’s most celebrated musical sequences, with critics praising how it showcases Erivo’s incredible vocal range and emotional intensity. The song functions as both an excellent showcase and impressive visual spectacle.

This number marks the moment Elphaba decides to lean into her wicked identity, making it pivotal to her arc. The Broadway adaptation never hit quite this hard on screen before.

“The Girl in the Bubble” and Grande’s depth

Stephen Schwartz wrote “The Girl in the Bubble” as one of only two new songs created specifically for the film adaptation. Grande delivers a poignant, dramatically rich performance as her character confronts the choices she’s made.

The fluid camerawork and set design during this number demonstrate Jon M. Chu’s mastery of translating intimate emotions to cinema. Critics praised how Grande humanizes and enriches the character genuinely.

Director Chu proves his mastery with inventive cinematography and controlled execution

Jon M. Chu brings genius-level direction to this sequel, earning universal praise for bringing the theatrical narrative to cinematic life effectively. His command of scale reaches new heights with spectacular sequences throughout the film’s runtime.

Cinematographer Alice Brooks contributes clever and inventive camera movements that enhance emotional moments without overwhelming them. The director flexes his considerable skills on several incredible sequences only cinema could achieve.

Elaborate production design and Oscar-winning costumes create visual splendor

The exquisite costuming from Paul Tazewell and elaborate production design from Nathan Crowley, both Oscar winners, remain dazzlingly in place throughout. Critics noted that investment in character, story, and sumptuous design compensate for narrative limitations.

The mirror scene between Glinda and magical elements receives particular praise for how technology brings theatrical magic to life. However, some CGI animals didn’t quite match the film’s stunning visual palette.

Supporting cast and ensemble performances shine in expanded roles

Jonathan Bailey conveys tremendous emotion through subtle facial expressions revealing his skepticism about marrying Glinda in this darker world. Michelle Yeoh plays Madame Morrible as an Ozian autocrat, bringing menacing authority to her role.

Jeff Goldblum returns as the Wizard, entertainment value oozing from every playful line throughout his scenes. The ensemble brings depth to Oz’s transformation from vibrant fantasy to darker authoritarianism.

The sequel delivers a visceral emotional experience that lingers long after credits

Critics consistently described Wicked: For Good as delivering an “emotional gut punch” that leaves audiences breathless and in tears. The film succeeds in making viewers sit with doubt and compromise rather than offering easy catharsis.

Jazz Tangcay from Variety proclaimed the film “sheer musical greatness,” admitting she sobbed hard throughout her viewing experience. This isn’t just entertainment; it’s emotional cinema that audiences won’t soon forget about.

The film expands narrative boundaries impossible to achieve on Broadway stages

Dana Fox and Winnie Holzman expanded the screenplay to give the film its own distinct identity while maintaining faithful storytelling. The filmmakers discovered opportunities to deepen world-building, asking questions stage productions never required exploring.

This thoughtful expansion creates a film that stands powerfully on its own merits rather than feeling like a mere recording. The two-year gap between productions allowed creative evolution that surprised longtime fans.

Beyond the sequel, Ariana and Cynthia’s close bond showed through their matching “For Good” tattoos ahead of Wicked: For Good.

Wicked: For Good earns its place as a masterpiece of musical cinema

The critical consensus crowns Wicked: For Good as a “masterpiece” and “epic, heartbreakingly tender conclusion” to pop culture’s most dynamic friendship. Newsweek praised the film’s sincerity, heart, and belief in a better world throughout.

While a few voices questioned pacing choices or visual elements, the overwhelming majority celebrates this as sheer musical greatness. Critics unanimously recommend experiencing this theatrical spectacle worthy of awards consideration and repeat viewings.

Away from the Wicked spotlight, Ariana is set to return to acting with American Horror Story season 13, joining Evan Peters and Emma Roberts.

Tell us your take in the comments: Is Wicked: For Good living up to the hype or not?

Read More From This Brand:

• Ariana Grande Speaks Out on Body Comments
• Ariana Grande says ‘Wicked’ helped her rediscover her love for music
• Colman Domingo cast as the Cowardly Lion in Wicked: For Good

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.