The much-anticipated follow-up to the 2024 musical spectacle arrives with a glittering cast and a familiar Oz, but it struggles to keep its early momentum. Directed by Jon M. Chu and led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the film starts strong and then loses steam after the interval.
Plot in brief
Set five years after the events of the first film, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is now seen as the Wicked Witch of the West while continuing her campaign for animal rights. Glinda (Ariana Grande) has been tasked by the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) to spread positivity — even as the administration paints Elphaba as a threat. Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) hunts Elphaba as captain of the Gale Force but secretly sympathises with her. Family tensions, political lies, fleeing animals and a dramatic journey to the Emerald City build to a climax that doesn’t fully satisfy.
What works
- The opening act is captivating, with strong world-building and political subtext — themes like fake news and manufactured enemies land well.
- Cynthia Erivo delivers powerful, emotionally charged moments, especially when she’s furious.
- Ariana Grande brings warmth and charm, and her chemistry with Erivo helps carry the middle portions.
- Visuals are a clear highlight: Alice Brooks’s cinematography, top-tier VFX, Nathan Crowley’s production design and Paul Tazewell’s costumes are impressive.
Where it falters
- The screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox starts promisingly but the second half loses focus and urgency.
- There’s an awkward five-year jump that isn’t properly signposted, making several character developments feel abrupt.
- Certain set pieces, like the tornado scene and the finale, are poorly explained or executed, leaving plot holes.
- The musical numbers, while lovely on their own, sometimes slow the film and act as roadblocks to pacing.
Performances
Cynthia Erivo is the film’s emotional centre and shines in intense moments. Ariana Grande is delightful and helps smooth over rough patches. Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh offer solid support, and Jonathan Bailey makes a strong impression as Fiyero. Marissa Bode and Ethan Slater provide steady backing performances.
Technical notes
John Powell and Stephen Schwartz’s background score elevates many scenes, even if some songs don’t land as effectively. The production values are high across the board, though Myron Kerstein’s editing could have been tighter to improve pace.
Verdict
Ambitious in scope but uneven in execution, the film entertains in parts but ultimately disappoints because of a sagging second half and questionable storytelling choices. It should open big in its primary market thanks to the brand and star power, but its prospects in India look limited given lower familiarity with this world.
