“Wicked: For Good” changes audiences for the better

After the thrilling ending of Wicked, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) flying into the sky to defiantly proclaim her independence with "Defying Gravity," Wicked: For Good takes audiences back to the world of Oz. It does not disappoint.

This second part of the film adaptation, released by Universal Pictures in 2025, picks up right where the first left off. Elphaba, now fully assuming her role as the Wicked Witch of the West, spends her days fighting for the rights of the animals in Oz, facing the increasingly oppressive regime led by the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and his administration.

Glinda (Ariana Grande), Elphaba’s former best friend, now assumes the title "Glinda the Good” and takes on a greater political role. Despite her optimistic, impervious exterior, she feels torn by her knowledge that she is betraying Elphaba, especially as Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) further incites the townspeople’s rage toward her old friend. Glinda’s reckoning with her choices and insecurity with her lack of magical ability is powerful to see, acting as one of the movie’s main arcs.

As this plays out, Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) and Glinda’s relationship becomes strained, the Winkie prince frustrated with Glinda’s complicity in Elphaba’s defamation and grappling with his own allegiences.

Meanwhile Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), who has, in the wake of their father’s death, risen to power as the governor of Munchkinland, becomes more desperate for control. Her obsession with Boq (Ethan Slater) intensifies, ultimately leading her to the fated role as Wicked Witch of the East. Her character is insufferable, but her fall from grace is nonetheless disturbing, involving the surprisingly horrific reveal of who becomes The Tin Man.

Glinda and Elphaba reunite several times throughout the movie. Although their paths have diverged, their bond remains touching and undeniable, tested by politics, betrayal, and loss, but stronger for it. When Elphaba takes Dorothy (Bethany Weaver) hostage in an act of resistance, Glinda confronts her in the story’s emotional climax. The two women reflect on how their friendship has changed them both in the iconic song “For Good,” and Elphaba gives Glinda the Grimmerie, a powerful spellbook.

Through Nessarose’s tragic downfall and Glinda’s moral redemption, the movie explores the complexities and personal development of its central characters. Elphaba embraces her role as a figure of resistance despite it turning everyone in Oz against her, Fiyero comes into his own beliefs and identity, and the ruthlessness of characters like Madame Morrible is slowly unveiled.

The story is much darker than the first film, and contains political undertones that some may feel resonate with current issues. The policies of the Wizard’s administration result in animals in Oz being stripped of their rights, restricted in their movement, and locked up in cages. The townspeople, meanwhile, celebrate in their propaganda-induced fanaticism, falling for the scapegoating of Elphaba and the animals.

The movie’s visuals are impeccable, the CGI as vibrant and whimsical as ever, with fantastical landscapes and magical effects transporting the audience into the world of Oz. The plot stays true to the musical, satisfying fans of the original production, but can be fast-paced as a result.

It is the vocals that truly shine in Wicked: For Good. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, to no one’s surprise, deliver stellar performances, their clear voices hitting every note while also conveying the deep emotion of each scene.

The film’s finale is bittersweet and in some ways heartbreaking, but gratifying all the same. The Grimmerie finally opens for Glinda, as she is at last worthy of magical powers, having grown into her identity as a truly good witch. The story is as much a testament to justice and equality as it is to the power of enduring friendship and love. There is no doubt you will be changed for the better.

“Wicked: For Good” is rated PG. It was released in the United States on November 21, 2025, and is now playing in theaters everywhere, including Regal Majestic Stadium 20 & IMAX, AMC Wheaton Mall 9 and AMC Montgomery 16.