Overview
- The social‑media embargo lifted late Oct. 27, prompting overwhelmingly positive first reactions from early press screenings in New York ahead of the Nov. 21 release.
- Critics repeatedly cite Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the film’s standouts, with several calling their work awards‑caliber.
- Reviewers say Jon M. Chu deepens the Act Two material from the stage show and “sticks the landing” for the two‑part adaptation.
- New original songs earn strong notices alongside production craft, including Paul Tazewell’s costumes and Alice Brooks’s cinematography.
- A minority of posts mention pacing or script issues, but the overall consensus points to strong buzz and intensifying awards speculation.