Wicked is the long-awaited film adaptation of the blockbuster stage musical, which itself is based on the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this movie musical serves as a prequel to the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, offering a fantastical journey into the lives of the witches of Oz long before Dorothy’s arrival. The film is a visually stunning spectacle that explores themes of friendship, prejudice, and the nature of good and evil.
The story centers on two young women who meet as students at the prestigious Shiz University in the magical land of Oz. There is Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a brilliant and misunderstood girl with emerald-green skin. She is ostracized and feared by everyone around her due to her appearance and her immense, untamed magical power. Her journey is a constant struggle to find her place in a world that refuses to accept her.
On the other end of the spectrum is Glinda (Ariana Grande), a popular, ambitious, and charming young woman who is adored by everyone. She is destined for a life of prestige and fame, but beneath her bubbly exterior is a heart that yearns for more. Elphaba and Glinda's initial meeting is marked by conflict and mutual disdain. However, their shared experiences at Shiz, and their unexpected pairing as roommates, lead to a profound and unlikely friendship that changes them both forever.
The film follows their intertwined destinies as they navigate the politics and social hierarchies of Oz. We see them fall in and out of favor, encounter their eccentric and charismatic professors (including a talking goat and a very charismatic wizard), and come to terms with the moral complexities of the world they live in. Their journey is a vibrant and emotional one, filled with memorable musical numbers that capture their hopes, fears, and dreams.
The film also introduces a host of other key characters, including the enigmatic Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), a powerful figure who holds the future of Oz in his hands, and the charming Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), a prince who finds himself in a love triangle with the two young witches. The film's narrative is a clever and poignant re-examination of the classic tale, asking audiences to reconsider everything they thought they knew about the Wicked Witch of the West. It is a story about how a person is made into a villain, and how the choices we make, and the narratives that are spun about us, can have a profound impact on our destiny.
Wicked is a celebration of the power of female friendship, the courage to stand up for what you believe in, and the idea that every story has more than one side. With its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and iconic songs, the film is a spectacular and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
Wicked is a 2024 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 73.
