Although it wasn’t the highest-grossing movie of 2024, Wicked remained one of the most talked-about movies of the year, scoring well with both critics and audiences and winning multiple Oscars. It may appear impossible for Wicked: For Good to perform nearly as well as its predecessor, but the fact that the film was shot back-to-back with the first film brought a stronger confidence from fans. The final output may not have been the home run Universal hoped for, but it is still a worthy successor to the first film.

Wicked: For Good takes place years after the events of the first film. It once again follows Elphaba and Glinda, played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, as they grapple with their place in Oz as “The Wicked Witch of the West” and “Glinda the Good.” With Glinda ordered to capture Elphaba, the two are forced to make decisions that will shape who they are and who they want to be.

Filming back-to-back with the first film worked in Wicked: For Good‘s favor. The dazzling practical sets once again bring life and wonder to the film, with a few extra sets, including a castle, that beautifully contribute to its darker tone. Although the film uses visual effects heavily, especially compared to the first film, it shows that practical sets are far more immersive than digitally created ones, as the actors can physically interact with their environment. The costumes are also just as lively as the Oscar-winning work from the previous film, mainly because they reuse them. However, the costumes for the Scarecrow and Tin Man are quite effective, mixing with makeup prosthetics that seamlessly bring the characters to life.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande once again show that they were the only two actresses who could’ve played Elphaba and Glinda on the big screen. They may share less screen time than in the previous film, but the two ooze chemistry together. Whether it is an emotional conversation or a silly fight sequence, the two show themselves to be far more than just vocalists with their nuanced portrayals of their characters. Grande particularly stands out with her more restrained turn as Glinda, beautifully capturing her character’s inner turmoils through the quiet moments. Their rendition of “For Good” is awe-inspiring, and not just because of their voices, but because they bring so much empathy toward their characters.

The film is drastically different from the first movie in terms of tone. With the first film a lighter, more joyful experience that sets up the world of Oz, Wicked: For Good raises the stakes immensely with its shift to dramatic territory. This shift in tone not only justifies the decision to split the story into two films but also allows for a more complex look at the characters. Elphaba and Glinda had their fair share of negative traits in the first film, but the sequel sees them grappling with their demons in an enriching and always fascinating way. Glinda is particularly interesting because she is grappling with how to use her power as a public figure. Her new song, “The Girl in the Bubble,” perfectly captures what her character is grappling with in the film, making for what is more than worthy entry.

The film’s core issue isn’t necessarily the filmmakers’ fault, but rather the original source material’s. Particularly in the second and third acts, Wicked: For Good constantly struggles to balance its ties to The Wizard of Oz with its own identity as an individual story. Character arcs feel constantly rushed to tie into the 1939 film, with Baq and Fiyero’s reveals coming across as eye-rolling rather than satisfying. Nessarose’s development is also extremely rushed, with the crux of her character change taking place off-screen. What’s made even worse is that the place her character ends up is entirely devoid of emotion, almost as if the filmmakers are pressuring the pace. To those who adore the original story, these aspects may not be as bothersome, but in terms of moviemaking, these decisions made for a frustrating experience at times.

Despite some shortcomings in balancing prequel and sequel, Wicked: For Good still delivers a satisfying ending that will please fans of the source material. With top-notch production and stellar performances from the ensemble, this successfully warrants its existence in the world of Oz. The inclusion of “Good” in the title is justified.

Wicked: For Good will be released in theaters nationwide on November 21.

Rating: 7/10

Oscar Prospects:

Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup/Hair, Best Visual Effects, Best Casting, Best Original Song