Cynthia Erivo’s captivating portrayal of Elphaba in the 2024 film adaptation of Wicked has reignited conversations about her extraordinary talent as a performer. The movie, directed by Jon M. Chu, pairs Erivo with pop superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, bringing the beloved Broadway musical to the silver screen. While reviews for the film have been mixed, Erivo’s performance has been a standout, further cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and accomplished artists.
Critics have been particularly effusive about Erivo’s emotional depth and vocal power. Variety described the film as “a musical masterpiece,” specifically praising Erivo’s ability to elevate her character with raw emotion. Deadline Hollywood echoed this sentiment, calling her and Grande’s performances “next-level talent” and describing the movie as “a blast from start to finish.” Billboard highlighted her rendition of the iconic song “Defying Gravity,” calling it “one of the single best movie musical interpretations of a song,” showcasing her impeccable range and ability to connect emotionally with the material.
However, not all reviews have been glowing. Time noted that while Erivo’s performance was vibrant, the film’s overly flashy visuals and heavy-handed messaging detracted from its impact. Similarly, the Boston Globe criticized the movie’s tonal inconsistencies, although they acknowledged Erivo’s standout role.
From Broadway to Hollywood: Cynthia Erivo’s Stellar Career
Cynthia Erivo’s rise to prominence began on stage, where she first gained widespread acclaim for her Tony Award-winning role as Celie in the 2015 Broadway revival of The Color Purple. Her heartfelt and powerful performance earned her not only a Tony Award but also a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album and an Emmy for her performance during the televised version of the production, solidifying her as one of the rare EGOT hopefuls.
Erivo successfully transitioned to film, earning an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the 2019 biopic Harriet. Her performance was celebrated for its strength and nuance, and she also received an Oscar nod for Best Original Song for “Stand Up,” a stirring anthem she co-wrote for the film. This made her one of the few performers in history to be simultaneously nominated for acting and songwriting Oscars.
Beyond her on-screen roles, Erivo is a celebrated singer and has released solo music showcasing her impressive vocal abilities. Her ability to seamlessly navigate between acting, singing, and songwriting has made her a force in entertainment.
A Powerful Legacy in Wicked
In Wicked, Erivo’s take on Elphaba offers audiences a compelling mix of vulnerability and defiance. Her rendition of “Defying Gravity” has been particularly lauded as a defining moment in the film, cementing her status as a powerful interpreter of musical theater’s most beloved songs. Critics have praised her ability to bring raw emotion to the role, with The Daily Telegraph calling her performance “emotionally electrifying.”
Cynthia Erivo’s Continued Impact
Cynthia Erivo’s career is a testament to her unparalleled talent and dedication to her craft. From her early days as a theater powerhouse to her growing legacy in Hollywood, she continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a leading performer. Her role in Wicked is another milestone in an already illustrious career, proving that she’s not just defying gravity—she’s rewriting the rules for what’s possible in entertainment.
