‘Wicked: For Good’ Review — A Visually Stunning but Uneven Finale

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked: For Good - Courtesy of Universal Pictures

It’s pretty crazy to think that we are already at that time of year again. I feel like the first Wicked only hit theaters a few weeks ago, but in reality, it’s been, well, a year. Now, Wicked: For Good is here to continue and conclude the film adaptation of one of the most popular stage musicals to ever exist. But does it live up to the hype? Wicked: For Good is now in theaters and this second chapter brings the spellbinding saga of Elphaba and Glinda to its long-awaited conclusion, and while it doesn’t quite surpass the first film, it delivers an emotionally resonant and visually dazzling finale that fans are sure to embrace. Much like the musical’s structure, with Act I standing as the stronger, more cohesive half, this second chapter thrives on character-driven moments and musical spectacle, even as some narrative choices feel slightly underdeveloped.

The film picks up exactly where the first left off, plunging the audience back into the vibrant world of Oz with confidence and style. Immediately, we are thrown into a stellar action scene with Elphaba, once again showing why audiences rooted for her to begin with in the first film. Director Jon M. Chu continues to demonstrate a clear affection for the source material. His approach is grand, cinematic, and often breathtaking, especially in the way he frames intimate character beats against sweeping, fantasy-driven backdrops. While Part One carried an inherent advantage in introducing the world and building tension, For Good focuses on payoff—delivering emotional closure that mostly lands with impact. That said, it is kind of hard to build character when they are at the point of the story where we should (and do) know them since the first film did a great job at building everything we need to set up this finale. The one who actually has more growth here than any other character here is Glinda. Thank gosh. I actually did not care for her much in the first movie, but here - I’m happy to say that she was one of the main highlights for me.

That said, the cast remains the film’s strongest asset. Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba once again commands the screen with a towering presence and a powerhouse voice that elevates every musical moment she touches. Her “No Good Deed” and “As Long As You’re Mine” sequences are among the film’s most stirring highlights, showcasing Erivo's ability to blend vulnerability and fierce determination. Ariana Grande’s Glinda shines even brighter in this installment, stepping into more complex emotional terrain. Her rendition of “Thank Goodness” adds layers of fragility beneath the character’s polished exterior, hinting at a deeper inner conflict that the film only occasionally takes the time to explore.

Supporting performances from Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero to Michelle Yeoh’s commanding Madame Morrible and even Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard round out a cast that brings heart and nuance to even the film’s most heightened moments. The chemistry among the ensemble continues to be strong, grounding the fantastical plot in real emotion.

Visually, Wicked: For Good is a feast for the eyes. The film’s production design leans even further into the heightened, operatic tone established in Part One, using color and scale to maximum effect. The cinematography is consistently impressive, especially in wide shots that showcase the sprawling landscapes of Oz. The CGI, while occasionally uneven, delivers spectacular sequences that will undoubtedly thrill fans particularly in the climactic moments when Elphaba’s story reaches its dramatic apex.

If the film stumbles anywhere, it’s in pacing and narrative depth. Some story beats especially those relating to political tension in Oz and the shifting alliances among its key players could have benefited from more time to unfold. A few emotional turns feel rushed, and certain character motivations are hinted at rather than fully articulated. These moments don’t derail the film, but they do keep it from achieving the emotional precision that made Part One feel so airtight.

Still, Wicked: For Good succeeds where it matters most: delivering a heartfelt, visually stunning, and musically triumphant conclusion to one of the most beloved stories of the modern musical era. It may not surpass its predecessor, but it stands proudly beside it offering fans a moving and memorable farewell to Oz.

Star Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐