The very first reactions to Jon M. Chu’s epic Evil have arrived and it is already clear that the film will be popular with both critics and fans.

On Wednesday, numerous journalists on social media praised the movie musical, the first part of a two-part film adaptation based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel and the Tony Award-winning musical. The film follows the budding friendship between two opposing witches named Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), who attend Shiz University together.

Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, Peter Dinklage and more round out the musical’s magical ensemble, with Goldblum notably playing the wonderful Wizard of Oz himself. A sequel, currently titled Bad part twowill complete their story when it hits theaters next year.

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Critics made it clear that they were impressed with Erivo and Grande’s performances in the film, with many also praising Chu’s solid direction and the film’s beautiful costumes and production design.

“The world is not ready for how amazing @wickedmovie is. “Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have given us a musical masterpiece that is much more than we ever expected,” he wrote diversity Editor Jazz Tangcay. “Ariana and Cynthia will blow your mind. The production design and costumes are a visual spectacle.”

Clayton Davis, a senior awards editor at the outlet, also praised Grande and Erivo. “Galinda is the role Ariana Grande was born to play. “Perfectly suited and truly a hilarious, scene-stealing performance,” he wrote. “Cynthia Erivo’s ethereal singing allows her to make Elphaba her own. The team of artisans assembled by Jon M. Chu added all of his signature touches. I’m really excited to see what they do with Part 2.”

Vanity Fair Author Chris Murphy called the film “a complete slam dunk” that he said has the potential to win big at the awards ceremonies. “I really hope the industry takes this film seriously as the massive achievement that it is,” he wrote. “Jon Chu IS a musical genius and the world he creates and the performances he captures are truly next level. It’s the best movie musical ever Chicago And that made it all the way, darling.”

Author Simon Thompson noted that while the film “may not convert many music opponents,” it will convert fans of the genre and Evil were definitely happy with the final product. “#WickedMovie is an Oz-like spectacle that pops and enchants on the big screen,” he added. “An absolutely breathtaking vision. The main actors Erivo and Grande are awesome.”

And diversity Film reporter Katcy Stephan discussed Chu’s decision to split the project into two separate films. “I was ‘pessimistic’ at the beginning, but… WICKED is a masterpiece. “Ariana Grande makes Glinda shine: she enjoys every moment with enthusiasm, humor and hair flips,” she wrote. “Jon M. Chu brought so much new life to the story that I can see why it had to be in two parts! The 20-year wait was worth it.”

Evil dances in cinemas on November 22nd. Keep scrolling to read more critic reactions below.