Wicked: For Good (2025) Review

Title: Wicked For Good
Year: 2025
Director: Jon M. Chu
Country: US
Language: English

Subjectively, I’ve never been a fan of The Wizard of Oz (1939). Despite appreciating its technical achievements, and enjoying Judy Garland in just about anything, the film has always felt a bit too creepy and off-putting for me (the whole “only bad witches are ugly” thing never sat right). Because of that, I spent years avoiding Wicked on principle, even as its Broadway reputation grew louder around me. It wasn’t until the story was finally adapted for film, and after hearing endless praise from friends, that I decided to give it a chance. To my surprise, I absolutely loved Wicked. I couldn’t wait to see Wicked: For Good. 

The story follows the aftermath of the events that shaped Elphaba and Glinda. While revisiting key moments of their intertwined past, the film examines how their choices ripple through Oz, influencing not only their own paths but the fate of the entire land.

Part One concludes on such a powerful, and literal, high note that it's inevitable that For Good  struggles to re-capture same impact. The second half depends heavily on the adrenaline rush from the first half, which works beautifully in a theatre where the intermission is only 15 minutes, but that built-in energy dissipates when there is a full year in-between the two films. It's as though For Good is in the shadow of its predecessor, rather than continuing as a single, running engine. Both parts of Wicked will likely be more successful on streaming and home-video, as it will be possible to watch both films back-to-back. 

This being said - Wicked: For Good is still an enjoyable musical. Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo's performances are remarkable; especially with the new ballads No Place Like Home and For Good. Both will likely be nominated for Best Original Song, and I'm certain For Good will win the award. The award-winning production design was impressive here, as well as the cinematography and costuming. Both parts of Wicked are certainly full of great cinematic achievements.

While Part Two doesn't live up to its predecessor (how can you top Defying Gravity!?) For Good is a memorable, worthwhile experience that resonated with me on an emotional level. I hope Erivo and Grande keep making musicals because their first two attempts have been incredibly impressive.