“Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda in a movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical.

As a prequel to the “Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and how she becomes evil. The movie begins when two students, intelligent but ostracized Elphaba and popular and stuck-up Glinda, are forced to room together. The two girls loathe each other at first but eventually warm up to become friends. When the Wizard of Oz invites Elphaba to meet him in the Emerald City, Glinda comes along and discovers the evil doings of the Wizard. Elphaba learns how to fly, and after a tearful goodbye with Glinda, escapes the Wizard.

The film covers the first part of the musical, and at 2 hours and 40 minutes, it is longer than the entire musical. Despite its length, “Wicked” is an unforgettable cinematic experience. Moving songs such as “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity” along with more playful tunes like “What is This Feeling” and “Popular” allow Grande and Erivo to give stellar singing performances. Along the way, several surprise cameos add to the overall mystifying feeling “Wicked” brings to viewers.

This movie can be enjoyed by anyone, whether you are a musical nerd or have never heard of the show.

Since this is only part one of the musical, the film ends on a cliffhanger. Part two will be released next November, and fans who have seen part one are already looking forward to it.