“Wicked: For Good” was released in theaters on Nov. 21, 2025, just under a full year since its first installment crushed box office numbers and received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. And even though I know it was widely loved, I found the first movie lengthy and lacking in plot. In the second piece, Cynthia Erivo brings a breathtaking amount of emotion to her role as the misunderstood Wicked Witch, Elphaba, and Ariana Grande stars as her foil, Glinda the Good. This film marks the second and final installment of the “Wicked” film series.
Plot and themes
The plot focuses on Elphaba’s new life as an exile, fighting against the Wizard’s (Jeff Goldblum) cruel imprisonment of animals; meanwhile, Glinda has become Oz’s figurehead of good: living in the palace, relishing in her fame, and pleasing crowds as she assures them that all is well—all while dressed in a glamorous costume. Watching Glinda get everything she so desired while Elphaba was simultaneously exiled in the woods added a different kind of complexity.
The movie fearlessly dives into dark topics that were set up in the first movie, expanding upon topics the first film only hinted at. The exploration of the topics of fascism and moral compromise made the plot more melancholy and serious, which I didn’t feel when viewing the first movie. It was interesting to see how a blockbuster musical would address such ideas, but “Wicked: For Good” managed to do it well.
After a plot twist that will leave viewers in awe, the movie ends on a satisfying note once Elphaba and Glinda meet again and bring their conflict to a resolution.
What I liked about it
Visually, it is nothing short of dazzling. Like the first movie, it is full of color and cinematic elements that will leave you in awe. The lush backdrops and dazzling attention to detail made this possibly the most visually appealing movie I have ever seen. I especially enjoyed the recreation of Dorothy’s tornado-battered house, which was an instant portal back to the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz”. Those immaculate details are what set the “Wicked” series apart from many other movies in theaters today.
What I felt really set “Wicked: For Good” apart is its tone, which is far more solemn than the tone of the first movie. Much of the first movie was spent in cheerful musical numbers, with little forward movement in regards to the plot. Some people may enjoy movies with much of the time spent singing, but I thought the few songs in “Wicked: For Good” were the perfect mix of musical and movie, wasting no time with fluff.
Overall, I enjoyed “Wicked: For Good” significantly more than the original “Wicked”. The first film was pleasant, but overly idealistic, while this one felt like it held more purpose and shared an important message. Even if you weren’t a fan of part one, I would encourage you to give part two a chance. It’s richer and more mature, and gracefully tied to the original plot of Oz. For me, this was one of the rare instances where the sequel is better than the first.
