The Popular WICKED Review That’s Defying Gravity and Redefining Style

By /

Fly into this popular Wicked review to see how it redefines style and is truly Defying Gravity!

The Holistic, Not-Just-Fashion Style of Wicked: Part 1 & Why Mocha Mousse Will Have to Wait – The Artistic Perspective

In this first part of our Wicked: Part 1 analysis, we’re leaving the Mocha Mousse color talk for another day, putting on our pink and green, well, everything, and focusing on the artistic style that made Wicked a record-breaking phenomenon. We’re diving into all of Oz and beyond — from wicked behind the scenes stories to the mesmerizing sets, live singing, and cinematography that set this musical-turned-movie apart. Whether you’re a longtime theater fan enthralled by the potential and excitement in The Wizard and I, or someone brand new who discovered the show through a Wicked trailer reaction on TikTok or saw Ariana Grande and Bowen Yang on SNL, this episode has something for you.

*Please leave us a review and let us know what you think of our show (and Wicked)!*

We’ll touch on iconic musical moments and what went into the making of “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” where Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande performed stunts while singing to perfection, to how Jonathan Bailey’s big moment in “Dancing Through Life” was yet another example of set perfection, and even “One Short Day,” revealing how each scene was painstakingly crafted to feel both cinematic and theatrical… especially with bringing back the Wicked legends and OG’s Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel! Fans weary of the Broadway adaptation will appreciate understanding how the Wicked movie soundtrack was developed with a blend of tradition and innovation, and how Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s approach to singing live connects back to the original staging.

Get the full Wicked recap as we discuss the infamous Wicked interviews and press tour, the Wicked cast, and how Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s dedication to the project influenced the final outcome. For those who enjoy a Wicked reaction or reading a Wicked: Part 1 movie review, we’ll explain how choices in makeup, set design, and costumes created the perfect style environment for a story that resonates globally — even beyond the endless Wicked collabs and merchandising, and into the heart of fans. Don’t you wish you had Wicked stocks?! Discover why the attention to detail, from painting floors to forging a real train, creates an intimacy and style often missing in big blockbuster adaptations.

From a Wicked movie review angle, we’re not just praising the film; we’re breaking down its style and how it did what others often fail to do—keep the theater’s soul alive on screen and create a community for all fans to love. The Wicked audience reaction has proven that authenticity and respect for the source material matter.

We’ll also preview our Wicked Part 2 video, discussing Wicked’s style from a business, Marketing, and PR perspective. If you’re curious about how this adaptation matches up against fan-favorite moments and other Wicked reactions, this episode will give you new reasons to fall in love with the film’s artistry. While we wait a year for the next movie to come out, we’ll hold our breath to maybe be holding space with the cast in person during the next Wicked: Part 2 press tour.

So settle in, and let’s celebrate Wicked, explained — the choices and artistic style that turned a beloved stage musical into a cinematic experience worth remembering. Before we get caught up in trends like Mocha Mousse, let’s not forget Wicked pink and green will be around at least another year, so let’s savor the timeless elegance that only careful, imaginative artistic style can achieve.

Call to Action

If you’re inspired by Wicked’s incredible style, don’t forget to subscribe to House of Style, leave a rating and REVIEW (seriously, please leave a review, they are so helpful!), and share this episode with friends or anyone interested in Wicked, the style of business, Broadway, success, and/or fun.

Connect with Us

Join the Conversation

What did you think about this Wicked Part 1 episode? Let us know in the comments or reach out on social media!

Transcript
Speaker:

Welcome back to House of Style.

2

:

I'm your host, Grant Alexander,

and today we're diving into a phenomenon

3

:

that's not just breaking records.

4

:

It's redefining what it means to combine

artistry and strategy in cinema.

5

:

Yes, we are talking about Wicked: Part 1,

6

:

the movie that has critics singing, fans

raving and social media buzzing.

7

:

Here's the twist.

8

:

Wicked’s success is a perfect

blend of two kinds of style.

9

:

The artistic style

that made every frame a masterpiece,

10

:

and the business style

that turned it into a global event.

11

:

In this episode,

we're exploring the artistic style

12

:

the bold choices in cinematography,

acting, costumes,

13

:

music, and set design

that didn't just bring us to life.

14

:

They made it unforgettable.

15

:

And be sure to subscribe to the channel

so you catch the next episode where

16

:

we'll uncover the equally genius business

side of this success story.

17

:

Oh, and here's a fun goal.

18

:

By the time the next viral press tour

begins, I hope the show is doing so well

19

:

that these videos provided enough

clout that Ariana, Cynthia, Jonathan,

20

:

Ethan, Bowen, Michelle, Jeff,

21

:

Keala, and Marissa and the rest of this

22

:

incredible cast come on the podcast

for a wicked spectacle.

23

:

Putting it out there.

24

:

Let's make it happen in about eight,

nine, ten months time.

25

:

Let's get into it and talk visuals.

26

:

Wicked’s

cinematography is an art form in itself.

27

:

Cinematographer Alice Brooks described it

as creating a:

28

:

version of Technicolor, a style

that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

29

:

The use of real sets over

CGI sets this movie apart.

30

:

They didn't just simulate Oz,

they built it.

31

:

If you stuck around to watch the credits,

32

:

there had to be at least 100 carpenters

on that list.

33

:

From the vibrant tulip fields

of Munchkinland, where 9 million tulips

34

:

were actually planted, to the iconic

yellow brick road that was actually laid.

35

:

Every detail feels tactical,

immersive and alive.

36

:

Even the lighting was groundbreaking.

37

:

Brooks used enormous SoftSun

lights, the kind you rarely see outside

38

:

the biggest blockbusters to simulate Ozian

sunlight on gray London days.

39

:

The result?

40

:

A world that feels magical yet grounded.

41

:

This is where style shines.

42

:

These choices aren't

just about creating a pretty backdrop.

43

:

They're about creating an experience by

prioritizing practicality over shortcuts.

44

:

Wicked invites audiences

to step into a world that feels authentic.

45

:

That's style, making something so seamless

46

:

that it feels real

even when it's fantastical.

47

:

That's incredible to me.

48

:

Onto the performances.

49

:

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana

Grande redefined style and redefined

50

:

acting and musical cinema

by their performances and choices,

51

:

like how they paid respect to Broadway

and wanted to sing live on set.

52

:

No pre-recording, no lip syncing. Why?

53

:

Because live

singing added a layer of authenticity

54

:

and emotional connection

that prerecorded tracks couldn't achieve.

55

:

Picture this Cynthia Erivo singing

Defying Gravity

56

:

while flying through the air

in a harness and corset.

57

:

She had to adjust her breathing

to belt those high notes, all while

58

:

performing stunts.

59

:

I get dizzy from spinning my older

daughter, Aspen, around in a single circle

60

:

and need five minutes of recovery.

61

:

If I chase our adorable mini poodle

Paddington, around the couch

62

:

a couple times.

63

:

I tried singing while chasing him

this morning and it didn't sound good.

64

:

So the level of talent Cynthia

displays is extraordinary.

65

:

And consider Ariana.

66

:

She knew she wanted to play Glinda

since she was ten years old.

67

:

So when she heard

auditions were happening,

68

:

she went to voice and acting lessons

every day for months to prepare.

69

:

But let's be real.

70

:

Love you Renee Rapp and Amanda Seyfried.

71

:

But auditions weren't really open.

72

:

And so she gets the part and is perfect.

73

:

And you know that because when Stephen

Schwartz said he was considering

74

:

making popular cooler

or adding a little hip and hop to it,

75

:

Ariana told the legend himself,

no saying, quote, “Absolutely not.

76

:

Don't do it.

77

:

I want to be Glinda,

78

:

not Ariana Grande playing Glinda.”

That is dedication to style.

79

:

And so was her singing live

while spinning on a chandelier.

80

:

Live performances are rare

in big budget films,

81

:

but they reflect a dedication

to the style of storytelling and realness.

82

:

This wasn't about shortcuts.

83

:

It was about elevating the audience's

84

:

connection to the characters

and their emotions.

85

:

Okay, onto what most believe to be style.

86

:

The costumes and the costume design.

87

:

Another pillar of Wicked’s awesomeness.

88

:

Paul Tazewell’s work is a masterclass

89

:

in balancing functionality and artistry.

90

:

Consider Glinda's gown

during the iconic bubble entrance.

91

:

It required 137 pattern pieces

92

:

and 225 hours of hand beading,

not for extravagance

93

:

but to make her radiate

the magic of her character.

94

:

And then there's Elphaba’s green skin.

95

:

To prevent her makeup

from staining every costume.

96

:

Tazewell developed a colored skin suit

that gave the illusion

97

:

of fully painted skin

while protecting the wardrobe.

98

:

This isn't just innovative, it's style.

99

:

Every detail, down to the fabric

lining, was designed to enhance

100

:

the experience

without breaking the illusion.

101

:

What sets Wicked apart is

the intentionality behind these decisions.

102

:

Style isn't just what's seen on screen,

it's the unseen effort

103

:

that makes everything seamless.

104

:

And how about the set?

105

:

In an era dominated by CGI,

Wicked boldly went practical.

106

:

The train to Emerald City.

107

:

It's not CGI, it's a 16-ton, custom

108

:

built marvel that took two days to move.

109

:

The sets were handcrafted

with obsessive attention to detail.

110

:

This commitment to practical effects is a

stylistic choice that enhances immersion.

111

:

And when you watch Wicked,

you're not just seeing us, you're in us.

112

:

Compare

that to movies overloaded with CGI,

113

:

where everything feels too polished

and disconnected.

114

:

This grounded approach creates a style

that is tangible,

115

:

it's relatable,

and it's emotionally impactful.

116

:

And speaking of being relatable

adapting Broadway to film, it's tricky.

117

:

But Wicked managed to expand on its stage

118

:

origins in ways that felt so

natural and exciting.

119

:

You feel the vastness of Oz,

the tension in the characters journeys,

120

:

and the layers of the relationships

like never before.

121

:

One standout moment me,

122

:

Glinda and Elphaba’s

suite during “Popular.”

123

:

The choreography and practical effects,

okay, and Ariana's hilarity,

124

:

make it feel like a theater performance

with director Jon Chu literally

125

:

hiding and giggling

126

:

under Glinda's bed to help operate

practical effects and oversee the scene.

127

:

This blend of theater

and cinema is a stylistic triumph.

128

:

It honors the source material

and the show, and on Broadway,

129

:

while leveraging the unique strengths

of film to deepen the story.

130

:

That's a testament to Wicked’s vision

creating style

131

:

that respects its roots

while branching into new territory.

132

:

Well, I hope you're happy.

133

:

Wicked

isn't just a movie, it's an experience.

134

:

Everything about its artistic style isn't

about looking good for the sake of it.

135

:

It's about immersing audiences,

connecting emotionally,

136

:

and delivering a story

in the most impactful way possible

137

:

that respected

what has been and will continue to be.

138

:

But here's the kicker

this is only half the story,

139

:

and the next episode will break down

the business style.

140

:

The genius marketing,

PR campaigns and social media strategies

141

:

that turned Wicked

into a cultural phenomenon.

142

:

If you love this episode,

hit like, subscribe and share it

143

:

with your fellow Asians

or a wicked, obsessed friends and family.

144

:

And who knows,

145

:

maybe Ariana and Cynthia will see this

and decide to join the podcast

146

:

before Wicked: Part 2, or invite my wife,

Corey and I to the premiere.

147

:

In the meantime, we'll keep

redefining style, because style isn't

148

:

just what you see, it's what you feel,

and it's one of your greatest assets.

149

:

I want you to use it.

150

:

Until next time, I'm Grant

Alexander on House of Style, reminding you

151

:

that style

isn't in your wardrobe. It's in you.

Scroll to Top