Broadway’s Wicked the Musical recently debuted in theaters as a 160-minute feature starring American singer and actress Arianna Grande as Glinda the Good and British actress and singer Cynthia Ervio as Elphaba, the eventual Wicked Witch of the West.
The film is part one of a two-part series, with part two yet to be released. It explores the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and her past with Glinda from the Wizard of Oz. Through the story, the audience will be left wondering what makes a person a “wicked” and who truly is the wicked one in this story.
Young Elphaba is the assumed daughter of the mayor of Munchinkinland, born with unnatural green skin and peculiar magical powers. She lost her mother at a young age, has a father who shows disdain toward her and is bullied for her appearance. Elphaba has a meek outlook on the judgmental society she lives in. Even her younger sister, who is handicapped, is bullied for Elpahaba’s appearance and disability.
The film establishes that despite Elphaba's distraught reaction to these harsh perceptions of her, she has a hopeful outlook for the future. She dreams that one day, the Wizard of Oz will see her potential, and she will be able to become someone important by his side.
As her sister came of age to attend Shiz University, Elphaba went alongside her father to drop off her sister on the first day of school.
However, after a short argument with one of the staff members over trying to drive her sister’s wheelchair without permission, Elphaba’s powers cause a scene leading to Madame Morrible, a powerful and famous mage, recognizing her power potential and enlisting her as a student.
Part one of Wicked then follows Elphaba’s struggles as a student and her transition from rival to a friend of Glinda, another aspiring mage who wishes to be noticed by Madame Morrible. The pair have a typical popular girl versus nerdy girl dynamic that explores themes of bullying, forgiveness, jealousy, and compassion.
The movie is very visually appealing, pays a good tribute to the musical it is based on, and was a very enjoyable experience overall. While the movie is rated PG, some scenes may be scary to younger children, and some themes of the movie may be lost to younger audiences. I recommend the movie to the teen and up demographic.
Out of a 10, I would give this movie a 10 for its amazing storytelling, emotion, and memorable songs and moments. I look forward to reviewing part two when it is released.