The “Wicked” press tour has been a mainstay in the social media algorithm of millions, including myself. You’ve most likely seen on set pictures, bore witness to the sensationalization of some of its stars’ personal lives, or seen a slew of emotional testimonials about the film and its formation.
The wait is over! The live action movie was released on November 22nd, 2024. I wasted no time purchasing tickets, even paying extra for what would otherwise be cheap tickets (as cheap as one can get these days…).
I was a bit apprehensive at first, as the bulk of my knowledge of the fictional world of Oz dates back to a brief Judy Garland hyperfixation in 2021. Nonetheless, I forged ahead as the opening credits began to roll.
The movie starts with the townsfolk celebrating the news of the Wicked Witch’s of the West’s death which…seemed a bit overzealous even for a musical. Glinda the Good Witch begins to chronicle the life of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
Upon birth, Elphaba is rejected by everyone, with her father staring at his green offspring with visible contempt and she is essentially isolated by her peers and the townsfolk who act disgusted by her. While dropping off her little sister Nessarose at Shiz, Elphaba inadvertently reveals her powers and subsequently gets invited to attend by the school’s headmaster. She is roommates with an uppity, popular (see what I did there?) girl named Galinda, and they gradually become closer through Elphaba’s pursuit of the Wizard of Oz, whom she believes can get rid of her green skin.
They say life imitates art but in this case it’s the antithesis, as events in this movie definitely hit home. Obviously, alienation is one of the central themes, and the movie does an excellent job at portraying the ridicule and mistreatment Elphaba was subjected to. The discrimination against the animals and an omnipresent social hierarchy within the movie are eerily reminiscent of how marginalized individuals are subjugated. Normally, I would be opposed to a fantastical movie taking on such heavy themes, but the movie does so in a tasteful way that doesn’t obscure the innocence and wonder of the setting itself.
The highlight of the movie to me personally, was the character of Galinda. I must admit, I had a preexisting inclination towards her character, as she is played by one of my favorite musicians, Ariana Grande. However, the complexity of her character really made me fall in love with her while also remaining eager to learn more about her. Her relationship with Elphaba sticks out to me. There is something so pure and innocent about their friendship. However, Galinda ultimately betrays Elphaba, who is then known as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda is reborn as Glinda the Good Witch.
All in all, Wicked was a wonderful reprieve from the many disingenuous remakes that are overly reliant on nostalgia. The passion and craft truly shines through, and for a moment, I felt like a kid again. For that alone: I give it five stars!
★★★★★
