With “Wicked: For Good” (Universal), director Jon M. Chu concludes his two-part adaptation of Stephen Schwartz’s hit Broadway musical in the same luxuriant style with which he began it in 2024. Like its predecessor, moreover, the film is mostly free of objectionable content.
Yet complex themes and the romanticized presentation of an objectively immoral encounter make this fantasy inappropriate for impressionable viewers and may leave parents in doubt as to its suitability even for mature adolescents.
As the plot resumes, the Land of Oz is languishing under the oppression of its ruling Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and his chief lieutenant, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). To the persecution of its animals has been added a crackdown on munchkins.
This situation has prolonged the estrangement of the story’s two principal figures, former schoolmates and friends, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). Once the downtrodden victim of ostracism, Elphaba lives in hiding, hoping to spearhead opposition to the regime. Glinda, by contrast, has become part of the prevailing system’s establishment.
Another source of friction between the odd-couple pair, as before, is the fact that both are in love with the same man, charming Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey). Early on, Fiyero becomes engaged to Glinda, though their betrothal comes as news to him since he has not proposed, and he seems less-than-delighted with the arrangement.
Elphaba’s rebellious activities have enabled Madame Morrible to depict her as Oz’s Public Enemy No. 1 and label her the Wicked Witch of the West. For her part, Glinda’s cooperation with the powers that be has earned her the moniker Glinda the Good.
What results from these unjust categorizations is an exploration, in the script penned by Winnie Holzman, the writer of the stage show’s book, and Dana Fox, of the connection between the perception of morality and the sometimes-hidden ethical truth behind it. While this leads to an ultimately touching wrap-up, it remains a topic requiring thoughtful discernment by moviegoers.
For grownups able to tackle such questions and assess the discreetly handled sexual material included in the proceedings, this topsy-turvy take on the world created by author L. Frank Baum will prove a visual and vocal delight. Youngsters and most teens as well, however, should seek enchantment elsewhere.
The film contains some stylized physical violence, including images of torture, and a benignly viewed premarital bedroom scene. The OSV News classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
