The Witches Are Back — and They've Changed, For The Better
After a year-long wait, we are reunited with Elphaba and Glinda for one last adventure.
Written by Giorgia Cattaneo
In the previous chapter, we left Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) on the run after uncovering the Wizard’s lies, branded as “The Wicked Witch of the West” and declared Oz’s number-one public enemy. Meanwhile, Glinda (Ariana Grande) has officially become “Glinda The Good” — the people’s princess, the only symbol of hope the citizens of Oz are meant to look to — and is now engaged to Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey).
It’s important to note that Wicked: For Good is not a standalone sequel to Wicked: Part One (2024). The two films were shot simultaneously and together form two halves of the same story. Considering this, it’s impressive how much For Good feels like a more mature and significantly more nuanced chapter. This is reflected not only in its themes but also in the characters, who even look visibly older, marking the passage of time authentically and believably. The attention to detail in both costume and makeup is remarkable: Bailey is almost unrecognisable beneath his handmade Scarecrow face, and The Tin Man’s worn, weathered look is as lifelike as possible. Characters who were once teenagers now appear as adults, and as their physical forms evolve, their inner selves are revealed as well. For instance, Glinda’s colour palette brightens, while Elphaba’s dark tones gain greater intensity.
Director J. M. Chu’s intention to avoid any direct references to The Wizard of Oz (1939) — including not showing Dorothy’s face — is motivated by both practical and narrative reasons. Practically, it prevents any potential legal issues with the iconic 1939 film, where Dorothy is famously portrayed by a young Judy Garland; narratively, it keeps the focus firmly on Elphaba and Glinda’s story, with Dorothy’s narrative serving merely as a backdrop. This approach also perfectly mirrors the original stage production of Wicked (2003), where the girl is never shown, further reinforcing the musical’s independence from The Wizard of Oz. In doing so, the whole Wicked saga manages to preserve its own identity, grounded in the journeys of its two protagonists. That said, some sequences may feel rushed, especially compared to the more deliberate pacing of others, which could make it harder to follow for viewers unfamiliar with the original story.
In terms of plot, the first film remains slightly stronger. However, this time we get to see Elphaba and Glinda in ways we never have before. The two women carry the film entirely, delivering undeniable chemistry and emotionally powerful performances in both acting and singing — Oscars-worthy, anyone? Music serves a different purpose as well. While Part One features famous and more recognisable numbers like Popular and Defying Gravity, the songs in this follow-up take on a more intimate, heartbreaking tone. The title track, For Good, previously heard as a recurring love theme in Glinda’s memories, is fully realised as a duet between Elphaba and Glinda in one of the most moving final sequences, embodying the emotional climax of their journey, before saying goodbye to each other forever.
And speaking of Glinda… oh, dear Galinda, the mirror is made of glass, sweetie. Or should I say, the bubble is made of water and soap? From the very beginning, it’s clear that Glinda’s feelings for Elphaba run deeper than mere friendship. We watch her slowly let go of all the illusions she once held about herself and her world, to the point she’s willing to forgive not only herself, but also Elphaba for loving Fiyero, and Fiyero for loving her back, wishing nothing but happiness for both of them. It’s compelling to be truly able to see her — both Ariana’s and Glinda’s — true colours here.
Elphaba’s arc also evolves both as a natural continuation of where we left her and a brave step into the unknown. Confronted with an impossible choice, she does not surrender; instead, she chooses courage, “for good”. Hers is a profound act of love and forgiveness: for herself, for Glinda — the one person she trusts and the first to ever truly love her — and for Oz, the land that raised her but never returned her affection. She recognises and accepts her limits (“Unlimited” now becomes “I’m limited”), and decides to move forward, regardless of the cost. One notable observation: while I understand Fiyero accompanying Elphaba in the desert adds the romantic dimension from the original story, I found his presence somewhat misplaced, with the risk of undermining what is meant to be a solitary, defining trial and turning it into something closer to a shared love escape.
Beyond the personal, the film’s messaging goes deeper, resonating on a broader level: Oz clearly mirrors our world, where the need to label someone as “wicked” becomes a tool for those in power to feel morally superior, often hiding uncomfortable truths. Secondary characters, such as Nessarose (Marissa Bode) and Boq (Ethan Slater), are also given more nuanced development, highlighting the moral complexities of Oz and the consequences of societal fear.
It’s safe to say that, while volume one is essentially Elphaba’s story, volume two belongs to Glinda — neither could exist without the other. The finale brings the narrative full circle, returning to when Glinda first began reminiscing. If Part One is about defying gravity, For Good is about learning to live with one’s feet on the ground. It’s a call back to reality — a story of transformation, both for better and for worse, of forgiveness and self-acceptance. Quieter than its predecessor but no less powerful, it leaves us with one undeniable truth: in the end, we are all changed.
Wicked: For Good is now playing in theatres.
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