Jon M. Chu’s Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. The film explores the relationship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) as they transition from rivals to friends at Shiz University. Erivo portrays Elphaba with both strength and vulnerability, while Grande’s charm highlights Glinda’s character. The movie features colorful sets, creative costumes, and numerous musical numbers, including “Popular” and “Defying Gravity.” Actors Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum also deliver solid performances. The story touches on important social issues, such as identity and acceptance, particularly through Elphaba’s journey to embrace her true self despite societal rejection. Wicked: Part 1 covers the first half of the stage musical and sets the stage for the 2025 sequel. It’s a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience, despite a few minor flaws.
What I love most about Wicked is how it makes Elphaba feel more like a real person. We thought we knew her, but this movie shows that she’s misunderstood and unfairly treated, making the story more emotional. The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is also complex. They start as rivals, don’t understand each other, and then become friends. It feels real, because we know that in real life, friendships are often complicated. Wicked expresses how society often labels people as good or bad based on appearances.
However, the film isn’t without its flaws. While the movie starts strong, Act 2 feels rushed. Elphaba’s transformation into the “Wicked Witch” and her falling out with Glinda don’t have enough time to develop and happen too quickly. I also would have liked the film to explore in more depth how Elphaba is discriminated against because of her green skin. This could have made the story even more relatable to the real world and offered a valuable lesson for viewers.
