As the lights dim and the curtains rise, a wave of excitement comes over the audience, showing the long awaited release of the movie adaptation of “Wicked” on Nov. 22, 2024. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel and the hit Broadway musical, this movie brings to life the untold story of the witches of Oz, exploring the themes of friendship, betrayal and the search for identity. Whether you are a longtime fan of the original musical or discovering it for the first time like me, “Wicked” offers a cinematic journey that is sure to captivate your attention.
One of the most compelling reasons to see “Wicked” is the storyline. It shares the backstories of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda, the good witch, played by Ariana Grande. They meet as roommates at Shiz University, but their relationship starts off rocky due to their contrasting personalities. Elphaba is passionate and misunderstood, while Glinda is popular and focused on social status. However, they begin to bond over their experiences and the unfair treatment of animals and people in their world. Elphaba’s passion for justice intrigues Glina, and their friendship evolves as they face challenges together, showing how their personal lives are affected by the problems in society. The story, which only covers through the end of Act I of the musical, ends in a bittersweet moment where Elphaba and Glinda acknowledge their complicated friendship and choose different paths for themselves.
In terms of visuals, this movie is filled with vibrant colors, costumes and set designs that show the Land of Oz. Bright and bold colors are used throughout, mainly focusing on dominant shades of green in the Emerald City to make it stand out with rich jewels scattered throughout in different scenes. Costumes and makeup also played a role in visuals. Elphaba’s green skin with black clothing showed her individual struggle, while Glinda’s sparkling pastel gowns showed her bubbly personality. Last is the set design with impressive backdrops and towering structures that show the nature of Oz. The special effects like the magical bubble Glinda floats in also enhance the movie, making it appealing to the eye and captivating the audience’s attention.
Moreover, the performances by the cast were impressive. What stood out to me was the chemistry between the lead actors, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. They were able to show the connection between the characters, making it easy for the audience to relate emotionally with their characters. One specific moment that sparked my attention was when Glinda was singing “Popular” and was teaching Elphaba how to be likable. Glinda was able to show that bubbly side while Elphaba was more cautious and skeptical.
Speaking of singing, the soundtrack, featuring songs like “Popular” and “One Short Day,” adds another reason to go watch this movie. This movie contains all of the original songs from Act I of the Broadway musical. Leading the way as No. 44 on Billboard Charts is the song “Defying Gravity.” This could be because this is a well-known song that many people have heard before. This also could be because it’s when Elphaba has to stand up for what she believes in, so it acts as a song of hope. Because of these actors’ amazing voices and performances, it allowed them to create a memorable musical experience. As a fan of musical theater, I appreciate how these songs enhance the storyline and take the movie to a whole new level.
The final thing I really enjoyed about this movie was the powerful theme. It is about not judging others based on stereotypes or first impressions. It also shows how Elphaba and Glinda both challenge society’s labels of good and evil. Their complex friendship shows that people are shaped by their experiences and that what we see on the surface often doesn’t tell the full story. By the end, the movie encourages viewers to look beyond appearances and think about how their judgment will affect others. As Elphaba sings the last song, it leaves a lasting impression of what is truly good or evil.
Overall, “Wicked” is more than just a musical—it’s a meaningful story between two people with incredible visuals and unforgettable music. Whether you are a long time fan or discovering this prequel for the first time, seeing “Wicked” is an experience you won’t want to miss. So, gather some friends and buy your tickets to go watch this magical story in theaters or at home, and you’ll be able to see for yourself just why this movie is so popular.
