Having just returned from the theater after watching Wicked: Part One, I’m still buzzing with excitement and awe. Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical absolutely delivers, capturing the magic, heart, and drama of the original while making it uniquely cinematic. As someone who has been a fan of the stage version for years, I couldn’t wait to see how the story would translate to the big screen. And let me tell you—it did not disappoint.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most pivotal moments in the film that left me speechless, teary-eyed, and humming “Defying Gravity” all the way home.
1. Glinda Descends: The Opening Scene
The movie starts in a way that immediately pulls you into the world of Oz. Glinda the Good Witch (played brilliantly by Ariana Grande) descends into Munchkinland amidst the celebration of the Wicked Witch’s demise. There’s a bittersweet edge to this scene as you can sense Glinda’s internal struggle—she’s all smiles for the public, but there’s something heavy lingering beneath her polished exterior.
This opening was such a clever way to frame the story. It immediately made me question how Glinda ended up here, setting the perfect stage for the flashback that follows. As a longtime fan of Wicked, I knew what was coming, but even I found myself glued to every second of this introduction.
2. Elphaba’s Arrival at Shiz University
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba is a revelation. Her introduction at Shiz University is both triumphant and heartbreaking. You see her defiance and intelligence shine through immediately, but the pain of being ostracized for her green skin hits just as hard. Watching her endure the ridicule from her classmates was tough, but it made her eventual rise all the more powerful.
The dynamic between Elphaba and her family is introduced here as well. Her father sends her to Shiz, essentially discarding her, while her sister Nessarose (played beautifully by Marissa Bode) becomes a reminder of the burdens Elphaba has had to carry. This scene sets the emotional groundwork for Elphaba’s journey, and I was completely hooked.
3. Elphaba and Glinda’s Rocky Start as Roommates
This is where the movie’s humor and heart really begin to shine. Watching Elphaba and Glinda navigate their first days as roommates was both hilarious and heartwarming. Ariana Grande is pitch-perfect as Glinda (or Galinda, as she insists on being called early on), nailing her bubbly charm and comedic timing.
Their initial clashes are laugh-out-loud funny—Glinda treating Elphaba like some sort of science experiment had the entire theater in stitches. But what I loved most was how their relationship started to evolve, slowly revealing the layers beneath Glinda’s superficial exterior. The moment she gives Elphaba her now-iconic black hat, it feels like a genuine turning point in their friendship.
4. The Classroom Scene: Dr. Dillamond’s Plight
This scene hit me harder than I expected. Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond, the talking goat and professor at Shiz, brings so much gravitas to this moment. When he’s removed from the classroom, it’s not just a sad moment—it’s a wake-up call. You see Elphaba’s anger and sense of justice ignite here, and it’s clear that this is the beginning of her rebellion.
The themes of discrimination and systemic oppression are woven into this scene so seamlessly. It’s heartbreaking but also inspiring to see Elphaba start to realize the depth of the injustices around her. For me, this was one of the most emotionally resonant moments in the entire film.
5. “Popular”: Glinda’s Signature Moment
Let me just say—Ariana Grande steals the show with her rendition of “Popular.” This scene was everything I hoped it would be and more. The playful choreography, the hot pink lighting, and Glinda’s over-the-top antics had me grinning from ear to ear. Grande’s comedic timing is impeccable, but she also manages to add a layer of sincerity to Glinda’s character that makes this moment more than just a laugh.
It’s clear that Glinda genuinely wants to help Elphaba fit in, even if her methods are a bit misguided. This scene perfectly captures the growing bond between the two characters, making their eventual fallout all the more heartbreaking.
6. The Dance at the Ozdust Ballroom
This scene is pure magic. Watching Elphaba, initially reluctant to even attend, find herself in the spotlight was incredibly moving. The moment when Glinda invites her to dance felt so genuine and emotional—it’s a small act of kindness that speaks volumes about their budding friendship.
And then there’s Fiyero (played by Jonathan Bailey), whose arrival adds a new layer of complexity. His carefree charm and chemistry with both Glinda and Elphaba set the stage for the love triangle that becomes so central to the story. The Ozdust Ballroom scene is visually stunning and emotionally rich, and it left me with a huge smile on my face.
7. Elphaba’s Meeting with the Wizard
Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard is everything I didn’t know I needed. His charisma and charm make it easy to see why Elphaba would initially be drawn to him. But as the truth about his manipulative intentions comes to light, the betrayal is devastating.
This scene is a turning point for Elphaba. It’s the moment she realizes that the system she’s been trying to work within is fundamentally broken. Watching her defy the Wizard and choose her own path was incredibly empowering. Cynthia Erivo’s performance here is nothing short of breathtaking.
8. “Defying Gravity”: The Climactic Finale
Where do I even begin? This was the moment I’d been waiting for, and it exceeded all my expectations. From the first notes of “Defying Gravity,” I had chills. Cynthia Erivo’s voice is absolutely electric, and the way she conveys Elphaba’s transformation—from an outcast to a force to be reckoned with—is nothing short of magical.
Visually, this scene is a masterpiece. The shot of Elphaba rising into the air, her cape billowing as she declares her independence, is something I’ll never forget. The entire theater erupted into applause, and I couldn’t help but tear up. This was the perfect way to end Part One, leaving us both satisfied and eager for what’s to come.
9. Glinda’s Dilemma
One of the most compelling aspects of the film is Glinda’s internal conflict. While Elphaba embraces her role as a rebel, Glinda chooses to align herself with the Wizard, prioritizing her public image over her personal loyalty to her friend.
Ariana Grande brings so much nuance to Glinda’s character, showing her struggle to reconcile her ambitions with her feelings for Elphaba. This tension sets the stage for even greater emotional stakes in Part Two, and I can’t wait to see how her journey unfolds.
10. Hints at What’s to Come
The final scenes of Part One tease the chaos that’s about to ensue. From glimpses of the tornado that brings Dorothy to Oz to Fiyero’s growing disillusionment with the Wizard, the stage is set for an epic conclusion. These moments left me on the edge of my seat, counting down the days until November 2025.
Final Thoughts
Wicked: Part One is everything I hoped it would be and more. It’s a love letter to fans of the Broadway musical while offering something fresh and exciting for newcomers. The performances, visuals, and emotional depth all come together to create a cinematic experience I won’t soon forget.
As I left the theater, I couldn’t stop thinking about Elphaba’s journey and the choices that led her to become the so-called Wicked Witch of the West. If you’re as eager as I am to see what’s next, you can check out our detailed guide to Wicked: Part Two for insights into the sequel, including the release date, plot, and returning cast members.
Until then, I’ll be humming “Defying Gravity” and replaying these incredible moments in my mind. November 2025 can’t come soon enough!
Mohit Singhania is a passionate film enthusiast and the creator of CinematicJunction.com, a platform dedicated to exploring the world of movies and web series.
With a commitment to delivering original, high-quality content, Mohit combines his love for storytelling with sharp insights into the entertainment industry. When he’s not writing, you can find him binge-watching the latest series or diving deep into the art of filmmaking.
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