Defying gravity never felt quite so dazzling. Our London Mums team had the most magical evening at the special screening of Wicked For Good, where green and pink sparkle filled the room and several of us – myself included – found ourselves wiping away the odd sentimental tear. Our brilliant teen reporter Alec Mackeson joined us too, offering thoughtful observations and sharp analysis with a maturity that impressed absolutely everyone. I found myself agreeing wholeheartedly with everything he said.
Having seen the musical on the London stage five times (I know, but once you fall under its spell, there’s no going back), I thoroughly enjoyed spotting the layers of symbolism and the clever details woven into this new cinematic chapter. The colours, the choreography, the emotional beats – all of it conjured the same magic I felt in the theatre, only now expanded into a sweeping, richly imagined Oz. I’m convinced this film will be one of the season’s major festive hits.
The story picks up with Elphaba now living in exile in the forest, burdened by her new reputation as the Wicked Witch of the West. Meanwhile, Glinda, still shimmering in pink perfection, enjoys fame and adoration at the Emerald City palace. Yet the peace she clings to begins to crumble as a furious mob rises against Elphaba, forcing the two former friends back into each other’s orbit for a final reckoning that changes them – and Oz – for good.
Alec began his review by reflecting on Wicked’s remarkable journey through time: from The Wizard of Oz novel in 1900, through the legendary 1939 film, then the 1995 Wicked novel, and finally the much-loved stage musical in 2003. This film, he said, draws beautifully from all its predecessors. What struck him most was how unapologetically it embraces its musical identity. The choreography is bold and exuberant, the staging grand, and the score sweeps you up instantly. He personally preferred the songs from Part One, though he admitted that comes down to taste.
He also loved how the film expands the world beyond what a stage can physically offer. The vast sets, immersive landscapes and convincingly rendered CGI creatures lend Oz a realism and depth that enrich the story without overshadowing its fantastical charm. Compared with the first film, he felt the actors had truly grown into their characters, bringing a grounded maturity that reflects their evolving journey.
For those wondering whether it works if you’ve never seen the musical, Alec was clear: yes, entirely. The narrative stands on its own, well paced and emotionally coherent. Still, he recommended watching the first Wicked film beforehand to appreciate the full arc, and said that a basic familiarity with The Wizard of Oz adds an extra layer of joy. He also noted that this chapter carries a darker, more contemplative tone than the first. It dwells on the consequences of past actions, touches on prejudice, propaganda, beauty standards, insecurity and upbringing, and presents Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship with a bittersweet tenderness that lingers long after the credits roll.
The ending, Alec said, is movingly poignant. There is resolution, but not the sugary, tied-with-a-bow kind. It honours the idea that light and shadow exist in balance – that for there to be good, there must inevitably be something called wicked.
As for my own thoughts, I found the film enchanting. Its emotional richness, visual depth and musical power exceeded my expectations, even after so many theatre visits. The cinematic format allows the story to breathe and expand in new and unexpected ways. Parents should be aware that some scenes may feel a little intense for younger children, but with a guiding adult beside them, most will find the experience captivating rather than distressing.
In the end, Wicked: For Good is a gorgeously crafted, heartfelt journey that will sweep long-time fans and newcomers alike into the magic of Oz once again. We left the cinema glowing — and yes, humming “Defying Gravity” all the way home.
Wicked: For Good lands in UK cinemas on 21 November 2025.
London Mums’ & Teen Club’s rating: 8/10
The trailer
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
