As 2024 comes to a close, I believe it’s time to reflect on some of the year’s greatest accomplishments, including the release of “Wicked.”
Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, this movie was released on Nov. 22 and quickly became a fan-favorite. As the highest-grossing musical turned-film adaptation of all time, it follows its main character, Elphaba, named after L. Frank Baum’s initials, the original author of “The Wizard of Oz.”
I remember being filled with anticipation watching trailers for this movie, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. By the opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” I was completely hooked, especially while listening to the double meaning in the lyrics. From the costumes to the casting, every aspect added to the story they were trying to tell.
Storytelling Elements
My favorite number was definitely, “What is This Feeling?”. Erivo and Grande’s voices perfectly complement each other and have a nice blend. Together, they encompassed the ultimate duo that is Elphaba and Galinda, respectively.
Another story-telling aspect I very much enjoyed was the choreography. Choreographer Christopher Scott, known for his work in the Teen Beach franchise, brought in entertaining and detailed movement from Broadway to our screen. In numbers such as “What is This Feeling?” and “Dancing Through Life,” we would’ve been lost without these masterful dance moves.
While all the storytelling elements were top-tier, my favorite part has to be the backstory behind the world of Oz. In contrast to “The Wizard of Oz,” where good and bad are so clearly defined, this movie takes another look at the intricacies of the world by showing us that, in reality, these lines are blurry.
Messages
Like most great artistic works, “Wicked” is also said to offer further commentary on today’s world. While this thrilling film has many interpretations, I believe I saw many themes and lessons.
In a world where animals could talk, I thought it was interesting that someone with green skin could feel so out of place. The author of the original book, “Wicked,” made Elphaba Green to show the world the ridiculous prejudice and racism that people of color face every day. In a mystical world, with a mystical color, it is so much easier for any audience to comprehend these themes.
The main conflict of this movie, the stripping of animal rights, was another creative decision that was meant to send a message. Since they are a minority group, the citizens of Oz blamed them, their lifestyle and their culture, for many of the problems Oz was having. For example, they blame the animals for the drought, which the animals had no control over.
However, another thing I noticed, arguably the most important, is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, who is idolized by all and symbolizes people in power. As later revealed, the wizard is just a regular human, not even someone who lives in Oz. When he arrived in a hot air balloon, the citizens of Oz truly believed he was magical; this was compounded when he announced that he could read the Grimmerie, a magic book in a language no one can read.
As revealed later in the movie, The Wizard says that he saw all these lost citizens and knew he was the one who had to unite them. The Wizard tells us how he took advantage of their fear and saw an opportunity to gain power through empty promises. He becomes the most idolized man in the country; to keep his power, he turns the country against animals, and since they all trust him, The Wizard succeeds.
From the story-telling elements to the not-so-secret messages, this movie truly had an impact on me. While I did appreciate the catchy and interesting songs, the symbolism had me on the edge of my seat. I would recommend everyone watch this movie and expect their world to change. Personally, I will try to patiently wait for next November when the second part releases.
