5 years after the exceptional first chapter stole our hearts in 2024, Depraved: For Good storms into theaters with Cynthia Erivo’s emerald-skinned revolutionary Elphaba now totally embracing her future because the “Depraved Witch of the West.” Whereas Glinda the Good (Ariana Grande, glowing brighter than ever) turns into the glittering face of a corrupt Ozregime, the story dives deep into friendship, betrayal, revolt, and the devastating value of fact in a world constructed on lies.
Director Jon M. Chu returns with the identical breathtaking visible ambition that made Half One a cultural phenomenon, however this time the magic feels heavier, darker, and deliciously political. The parallels to faux information, manufactured enemies, and authoritarian propaganda are not possible to overlook and brilliantly executed within the first half. You will gasp at how sharply the movie mirrors our personal world whereas nonetheless staying true to the Land of Oz.
Cynthia Erivo stays an absolute drive – her “Defying Gravity” reprise alone deserves each award in existence. The uncooked fury and heartbreak she brings to Elphaba’s campaign for animal rights is mesmerizing. Ariana Grande proves she’s not only a pop princess; her Glinda is heartbreakingly layered – bubbly on the floor, shattered beneath. Their scenes collectively are pure electrical energy and single-handedly carry the movie by means of its rockier moments.
Jonathan Bailey is dangerously charming as a torn Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum is completely unhinged because the Wizard, and Michelle Yeoh brings chilling gravitas to Madame Morrible. Marissa Bode’s Nessarose and Ethan Slater’s Boq add emotional weight to the Munchkinland sequences that hit tougher than anticipated.
Visually? Gorgeous. The Emerald Metropolis has by no means seemed extra opulent, the flying monkeys sequence is jaw-dropping, and Paul Tazewell’s costumes (particularly Glinda’s wardrobe) are Oscar-worthy extravagance. Alice Brooks’ cinematography and the VFX crew ship pure spectacle.
However this is the reality: the second half loses the spell.
After a gripping, emotionally devastating first act, the pacing stumbles badly post-interval. Songs that ought to soar begin feeling like roadblocks. The twister sequence is bizarrely staged (why is anybody outdoors?), sure main plot turns really feel unearned or rushed, and the finale, whereas bold, does not land with the emotional catharsis we have been ready years for. The five-year time soar isn’t clearly established, leaving audiences momentarily confused about character developments.
It isn’t that Depraved: For Good is dangerous – removed from it. It is stunning, daring, and infrequently sensible. But it surely looks like a movie that desperately wanted yet another move within the modifying room to match the perfection of its predecessor.
Verdict: A must-watch for followers who’ve been obsessed since “Widespread” and “Defying Gravity” modified their lives in 2024. Cynthia and Ariana’s performances alone are definitely worth the ticket worth, and the political chew is sharper than ever. However mood your expectations – this broomstick soars spectacularly… then wobbles earlier than touchdown.
Depraved: For Good is crucial viewing for theater youngsters, Ariana stans, and anybody who believes inexperienced is the brand new black. Simply do not count on it to eclipse the magic of Half One.
It is good. Superb.
However for a narrative this legendary?
We deserved nice.
⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – Magical highs, messy lows, and feelings that hit like a flying broomstick.
