Director John M Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights) is tasked with bringing the Land of Oz, Shiz University, and the legend of the Wicked Witch of the West to life. Wicked is part 1 of the two-part adaptation of the Tony winning musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman and based on the novel by Gregory Maguire.

The story begins with the fall of the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda the Good Witch (Ariana Grande) floats down in a pink bubble to make the grand announcement that the Wicked Witch is dead. When Glinda is asked if her and the Wicked Witch were once friends, we’re transported back the Land of Oz sometime before the events of The Wizard of Oz.

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is born with green skin. She’s an outcast who is dismissed by her father and shunned by her peers. While dropping her sister off at Shiz University, an incident happens that draws the attention of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). As Headmistress of Shiz University, Madame Morrible immediately enrolls Elphaba into her program. Her roommate is Galinda aka Glinda – a spoiled, entitled, annoying, bratty student that always gets her way. As you can imagine, the two bump heads until they form an unlikely friendship.

Elphaba befriends the only animal professor at Shiz, Doctor Dillamond (voiced by Peter Dinklage). She witness discrimination against animals and begins to question the history what’s happening with the animals in Oz.

Wicked is not only a dazzling adaptation and an energetic modern musical, it’s one of the must-see films of the year. From its colorful grand musical opening to its final act that pulls at your heartstrings, John Chu’s adaptation delivers.

Erivo’s subtle performance is never overshadowed by some of the bigger personalities onscreen. She plays Elphaba perfectly next to the colorful portrayal of Galinda by Ariana Grande. Erivo’s reserved and mildly serious approach to the character gives the film a balance it needs. The quiet performance goes out the window when it’s time for Erivo to sing. Her incredible vocals matched with the stunning visuals makes for some fantastic musical moments. Her performance of The Wizard and I is one of the film’s best moments.

Like Erivo, Ariana Grande is perfectly cast as Galinda. There’s a perkiness mixed with excitement, humor, and some physical comedy that makes her performance work. The character also carries herself with elegance that makes her the perfect friend and foil for Elphaba. Grande shows her range during the musical numbers. Her performance of “Popular” is one of the film’s highlights as well.

Wicked looks amazing. John Chu brings audiences into a bright and colorful Oz that feels real. It looks like a world these characters live in. Having Elphaba in very dark clothes surrounded by Galinda’s pink room or the colorful backgrounds at Shiz was a nice visual to show how much she stood out and felt like an outcast.

Wicked is one of the year’s best films. Like HBO’s The Last of Us, John M. Chu was able to adapt the source material fans of the musical and book will love, while also delivering a film that can be enjoyed by a wider audience. There’s fantastic performances, multiple tear-jerking moments, stunning visuals, and of course a pleasant return to the World of Oz. Part II can’t get here fast enough.

Grade: A