An adaptation of Broadway’s hit musical starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked,” has been all the buzz recently. With the original work being one of the most favored musicals of the 21st century, and Jon Chu, the director of “Crazy Rich Asians,” leading “Wicked,” the anticipation surrounding the production has been remarkable. The movie has resonated with the masses for its representation, visuals, and songs.
“Wicked” is set in the Land of Oz before the events in the novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” take place. It centers around Elphaba and Glinda, who will eventually become the Wicked Witch of the West and The Good Witch respectively, and their unusual friendship at Shiz University. Elphaba, who is looked down on for her green skin, and Glinda, the “perfect” girl who is loved by all, begin the movie resenting each other. However, despite their vastly different backgrounds, they form an impenetrable bond while facing the challenges of their society together.
“Wicked” captures the essence of the musical exceptionally well. The top songs, like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” continue to immerse listeners with their powerful vocals. “Defying Gravity” stands out not only for its memorable melodies, but for the ideas it puts forth as well. The lyrics go beyond flying and gaining power; they illustrate Elphaba’s desire to take charge and find her own strength, even if it means going against society. In contrast, some say that songs like “A Sentimental Man” are a joke and that people can take a bathroom break during them without missing anything important.
Self-identity and the dangers of fascism, a political ideology characterized by dictatorial leadership and the suppression of opposition, are some key themes that “Wicked” explores. Elphaba, goes through the cruel experience of being rejected for her differences and struggling with her self-identity in the face of societal pressures, reflecting real-world issues. On the other hand, Glinda represents the popularity that comes with conforming to traditional standards. With its prim and proper scenery, “Wicked” appears to be set in a utopian world with underlying fascism. The Wizard of Oz initially seems compassionate, but is revealed to be a manipulative dictator when his scheme to use Elphaba’s magic to his benefit is discovered. The realistic portrayal of the characters and emotional depth emphasize these themes by connecting with the audience on a personal level.
In addition to being more relatable, the film adaptation further develops certain storylines and enhances the storytelling through its vivid backdrops. For example, the movie dives deeper into the relationship between Elphaba and her love interest, Fiyero, than the Broadway musical does, especially in regards to their emotional journey. The film’s approach adds depth to the characters and plot, fulfilling its viewers. Despite these improvements, at times, the pacing on the movie seems uneven, with certain scenes feeling rushed and harming the flow of the story. For instance, the development of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship during their time together at Shiz happens in the blink of an eye, leaving the audience with little time to process it.
The movie broke the record for the biggest opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation, among many other achievements, making it one of the best movies of 2024. “Wicked” wonderfully expresses the magic of the original musical while adding its own movie-like charm, and its well-crafted characters make it more enjoyable. With its lovely costume designs, iconic songs, and phenomenal acting, we highly recommend watching “Wicked.”
