Wicked: For Good Review

By Christopher Landa

The musical event of the year, “Wicked: For Good,” exploded into cinemas on Nov. 21, 2025. The film concluded the stories of witches Elphaba and Glinda after the events of its critically acclaimed 2024 film predecessor “Wicked.” The film adapts its screenplay from the second act of the 2003 musical “Wicked.” 

“Wicked: For Good” follows a joyful initial entry with a much more somber tone. Now branded “The Wicked Witch of the West,” Elphaba is forced to confront the fact that making social change is much harder than just defying gravity, especially with powerful forces working against you. Meanwhile, Glinda the Good Witch is torn between leaving everything behind to chase change outside the system or remaining comfortable within the system, making feeble attempts to amend things.

The performances in this movie are of the highest caliber. Cynthia Erivo, the actress for Elphaba, and Ariana Grande-Butera, who portrayed Glinda, were born for their roles. Their connection, amplified by their impressive acting skills, brought tears to a majority of theatergoers. The choice to hire talented singers along with actors was an appropriate one, as the songs were impeccable.

Standout performances outside of the leads come from Jonathan Bailey, playing a Fiyero desperate to find Elphaba, and Ethan Slater, the Munchkin Boq turned tin. 

However, the movie was not perfect. Despite the gripping and emotional story, the pacing felt awkward as the movie struggled to balance itself as a story of friendship as well as a commentary on the power of propaganda and our society.

The ending of the movie, while a nice conclusion to the stories of the leading Witches, minimizes much of the nuance that comes from the story of the animals' oppression. 

Ultimately, the film is a gut punch for fans and non-fans alike, and the emotional beats of the movie hit hard. However, the movie’s important commentary is somewhat lost to the story of friendship.