The time has come for one of the most beloved musicals to transition from stage to screen. In a generation-defining cinematic event, Wicked is a powerhouse production bound to win over fans and newcomers alike.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked shares the backstory of the witches of Oz. We’re introduced to Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as a baby, frowned upon and despised because of her green skin. Constantly misunderstood, she often meets people and has a pre-planned explanation for their reaction to her appearance. This held true to her first steps at Shiz University where she was to see off her younger sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode). As fate would have it, she comes across another student named Glinda (Ariana Grande) who relishes in popularity and having her way. Arriving with extremely different viewpoints, the two eventually mature from foes to friends. However, when their friendship reaches a crossroads, they embark on different paths that will have startling consequences for their future.
So on one hand, you’re learning of a Wizard of Oz origin story so more than a few things may sound familiar. But if you look deeper, the undertones will hit you like a ton of bricks. Yes, we’re watching actors and singers in a fictional tale, but their experiences could be used like a stencil and copied or traced into real life. So let’s take a deeper look at the characters’ ultimate desire to go to Oz.
What’s presented to audiences is a woman with green skin who people immediately treat as if she’s hideous. Many people of color will be triggered by this, seeing as that’s a very real experience. Without hearing Elphaba’s thoughts or opinions, she’s immediately slapped with labels. Weird, odd, disgusting. When she arrives at Shiz University with her sister, she was only there to drop her off. After an incident happens where she appears exceptional among her peers, the head headmistress Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) takes notice and offers her acceptance on the spot. She was granted special acceptance due to her incredible ability which baffled Glinda. For you see, Glinda wanted special recognition by Madame Morrible and the acclaim that would come with it. So when she was ignored, that only grew her disgust for Elphaba, even encouraging other students not to associate with her (another very real experience for people of color).
But the two biggest and most glaring copy-and-paste experiences involved Elphaba, Glinda, and the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). Glinda wanted to be a student of Madame Morrible so badly she would’ve sacrificed anything. She eventually gets her wish, but only because of the kindness of Elphaba. Before that, she tries to strike a superficial deal with Elphaba offering her assistance in making her popular (socially acceptable, conforming) if Elphaba will teach her what she’s learned from Morrible. So while on the surface it might appear that they grew beyond past transgressions, they didn’t, it was completely transactional (or at best, a last-ditch effort for mental peace). All too often the ones who are marginalized are those brokering peace with their oppressor, when it should be the opposite. The powerful interaction and realization between Elphaba and the Wizard were especially triggering. Because of her natural talent, she’s able to do what nobody has ever done; read from the Grimmerie (book of spells). Once she realizes that only she can read from the book (even though it’s in the Wizard’s possession), she calls him out for being a fraud, which he admits. So how is this triggering? Well, allow me to explain.
It was the perfect scenario for bringing two guests along to the special media screening this past Sunday. Both Black women, with doctorates in different fields, were able to easily relate to the film’s unique undertones. Elphaba, a Black woman portrayed with green makeup, is a talented individual surrounded by mediocrity. Jeff Goldblum’s character, a white man in a position of authority, embodies the stereotypical image of a privileged yet incompetent leader. Once she realized the famed and highly touted wizard was woefully below par, it paralleled a video I saw just a week ago. Certain people with the confidence to tout themselves will do so and have others covet their position, knowing they aren’t qualified (this was discussed at length after the screening amongst my guests and others who attended). There’s no doubt the director was well aware of these things and his execution was brilliant.
The performances were everything you wanted to see and beyond. My only knack was the opening number where Ariana Grande’s voice bordered operatic. She doesn’t have the voice for such a feat and that was proven when her lyrics were unintelligible. Outside of that, the rest of the performances were fantastic. Erivo steals the show, showing her growth in vocal performance from the beginning to the end. Not only did her voice crescendo over time, but her overall performance did as well. The final number to close out the film gave me goosebumps. I couldn’t think of a better way to end the first part of a two-part blockbuster than this.
Wicked gets a 9.5 out of 10. Cynthia Erivo is everything and deserves every single acknowledgment and award that comes her way. The runtime is in arms reach of three hours but you won’t feel it. You’ll be far too busy enjoying the surprises that await you (new characters, special guests). If you have the opportunity to see this in IMAX, take it. The sound and immersion are absolutely breathtaking. Once you experience this epic first act, Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.
Wicked will premiere in theaters this Friday, November 22.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Universal Pictures
Genre: Musical
Rating: PG
Runtime: 2hrs 40mins
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: November 22, 2024