Wicked for Good Review: A Magical Messy Finale or a True Oz Delight?

Wicked for Good is the long-awaited second half of the Wicked movie story. Like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows or Kill Bill, the story was simply too big to squeeze into one film. The result? A two-part cinematic event—and now we’re at the finish line.

But before anything else: yes, you absolutely should watch (or rewatch) the first Wicked movie before starting Wicked for Good. There’s no recap, no “Previously in Oz,” no friendly flying monkey catching you up. The story picks up several narrative beats after the first movie and just goes.

A Villain Is Born—Or Is She?

In Wicked for Good, Elphaba is officially labeled the Wicked Witch of the West. She’s ostracized, demonized, and used as fuel for the propaganda machine run by those in power—namely, the not-so-wonderful Wizard of Oz. Her crime? Questioning authority and daring to expose corruption.

One detail the film nails brilliantly is how language is weaponized. People are no longer allowed to call her “Elphaba”; she’s simply “The Wicked Witch.” Say it enough times, push it hard enough, and the public will believe anything. It’s a very real, very relevant commentary.

Friendship, Fame, and a Fractured Moral Compass

Galinda, now the beloved public darling, deeply misses her friend. She hates that Elphaba has been socially executed, but she also enjoys the spotlight a little too much. The film explores how the desire to stay loved can quietly shift someone's moral compass—a surprisingly human, relatable theme.

The heart of Wicked has always been the complex friendship between Elphaba and Galinda, and this sequel continues that emotional thread.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shine again, though the first film gave both of them more moments to stretch their wings—especially Ariana Grande. Her comedic timing in the first film surprised a lot of viewers. She still gets her moments here (“Fetch!” being an instant classic), but overall, the script gives her fewer opportunities to steal scenes.

About That Love Triangle…

Let’s address something that dragged the movie down: the love-triangle plotline.

There’s a pivotal, emotional moment that should’ve been filled with grief and depth—but instead devolves into Galinda and Elphaba slapping each other in a catty spat. The scene feels straight out of a CW teen drama, not a high-budget musical adaptation. For many viewers, this will be the moment when the movie loses part of its emotional grounding.

Visuals: Wickedly Good (of course)

If there’s one area where Wicked for Good absolutely delivers, it’s the production design. The world of Oz looks just as stunning, vibrant, and magical as it did in the first film—no surprise, since both parts were created in one production. Munchkinland still looks like “average-sized person land,” and the sets, costumes, and effects are top-tier.

The musical numbers? Opinions will vary. Some say they’re not as strong as those in part one, but unless you're deeply familiar with the stage musical, you’re unlikely to notice anything missing.

A Rushed Second Half

Here’s where Wicked for Good truly stumbles: the pacing.

The first half feels like the Wicked you expect—unique, character-driven, and a fresh take on Oz lore. But once the movie hits the timeline of the original Wizard of Oz, it suddenly becomes a sprint. Major moments fly by. Character arcs get compressed. Emotional beats don’t have time to breathe.

Characters who tie directly into iconic Wizard of Oz events get especially shortchanged. Their emotional arcs deserve more screen time, more weight, more payoff.

And because Wicked positions itself as the true story behind the famed Oz tale—with Wizard of Oz framed as propaganda—these moments matter even more.

When Stage Meets Screen (and Doesn’t Always Translate)

Some scenes are clearly lifted directly from the stage play—such as a major moment portrayed only as shadows on a wall. While that theatrical choice might work beautifully on stage, on film it comes across anticlimactic. The emotional punch just isn’t there.

Final Verdict: A Beautiful, Flawed Finale

Wicked for Good is a magical mess.

The visual spectacle is undeniable. The performances are strong. The themes are relevant. The world-building is rich.

But the story feels incomplete unless you already know the stage musical inside and out. For newcomers or movie-first fans, the rushed pacing and thin emotional payoff make the finale fall short of the superb first film.

Is it worth seeing?

Yes—especially for the visuals.

But maybe… see it after a cocktail or two.