WICKED MOVIE REVIEW: Why Cynthia and Ariana’s Oz-some Duo is the Must-See Musical of the Year Friday 22 November, 2024
Wicked has truly stolen the spotlight this year, arguably even more than last year’s Barbie film! If Barbie painted the world in vibrant pink, Wicked is here to unleash a delightful explosion of pink and green that’s just as captivating. This musical adaptation is undoubtedly the must-see film of the year!
The press run for Wicked has been nothing short of enchanting, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande showcasing their genuine friendship and the emotional journey they’ve shared while bringing this beloved story to life. Their bond has grown so strong that they even got commemorative tattoos to celebrate their time together on this film—talk about a lifelong connection! Watching Erivo as Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Grande as Glinda (the Good Witch) is a testament to how art can imitate life. It’s clear that this film has been transformative for both of them, and it’s bound to leave a lasting impact on audiences everywhere, especially those familiar with the original Broadway production that debuted in 2003.
Wicked dives deep into the backstory of Elphaba, giving us a fresh perspective on the iconic characters from The Wizard of Oz. For decades, we’ve been fed the idea that Elphaba was pure evil, but this film takes us on a journey to understand her origins. From the mystery surrounding her conception to the reasons behind her green skin, we get to see the complexities of her character unfold. Rather than a traditional villain narrative, we’re invited to witness Elphaba’s life story—her struggles, her powers, and her quest for acceptance.
Elphaba’s journey begins at Shiz University, where she’s just supposed to drop off her younger sister, NessaRose, who uses a wheelchair. Instead, she finds herself seizing an opportunity to attend the school under the guidance of Madame Morrible (played by the fabulous Michelle Yeoh). Little does she know that she’ll be rooming with none other than Glinda, the quintessential popular girl—think Cher from Clueless meets Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. The dynamic between Elphaba, the misunderstood outcast, and Glinda, the pampered socialite, sets the stage for a friendship that’s as surprising as it is heartwarming.
At first, it’s not easy for these two to coexist. Glinda even shows some “Mean Girl” tendencies, proving that even the Good Witch can have her flaws. However, as they navigate life together, they find common ground and learn from one another, proving that opposites can truly attract in the most unexpected ways.
As much as the promotional material for Wicked emphasizes the clash of pink and green, the heart of the story isn’t about which character is better. It’s about how their different worlds come together to forge a powerful friendship. You could even say that Wicked is the musical equivalent of the Deadpool and Wolverine dynamic—pink and green versus red and yellow!
Elphaba is far from the monstrous figure she’s made out to be. Sure, green might conjure images of monsters and potions, but Elphaba’s character challenges those stereotypes. She’s empathetic, intelligent, and compassionate, never resorting to violence even when faced with bullying. So, what exactly makes her “wicked”?
The real wickedness lies not within Elphaba but in the society of Oz and how they treat those who are different. This film reveals the hypocrisy of a seemingly magical land filled with charm and whimsy, while still harboring prejudice against those who don’t fit the mold. It’s a powerful commentary on social judgment and the consequences of being different.
For nearly a century, we’ve accepted that the Wicked Witch of the West was purely evil, driven by her desire for those ruby slippers. But have we ever stopped to consider why those shoes mattered so much to her? Was she really wicked simply because of her green skin and unconventional appearance? The Wizard of Oz has perpetuated a smear campaign against Elphaba, branding her as evil while glorifying Glinda’s “goodness.” It’s a narrative created by societal standards of beauty and acceptance.
Ultimately, Elphaba is a powerful figure in a world where people learn sorcery, but she’s born with it. Is her magic something others envy? As she learns to harness her abilities, she discovers not just her own potential, but also the depth of her friendship with Glinda. Their bond is solidified through their shared experiences and musical journeys, reminding us all that true friendship knows no boundaries—pink, green, or otherwise.
The film runs for 2 hours and 22 minutes, and this is just WICKED pt. 1! Yep, you heard that right—WICKED pt. 2 will be hitting theaters on November 22, 2025, exactly one year from now. Get ready for more magic as we follow Glinda’s journey to becoming “The Good Witch” and see how Elphaba ends up as “The Wicked Witch of the West.”
WICKED is definitely set to make waves in the 2025 Awards season with plenty of nominations, and Cynthia Erivo absolutely shines as Elphaba, both visually and musically.
Overall, Wicked is a vibrant exploration of identity, acceptance, and the ups and downs of friendship. It challenges us to rethink our perceptions and encourages us to look beyond the surface—making it a must-see film this year!
Michael Jackson once asked, “Who’s Bad?” and now, after watching this film, we’re all left wondering, “Who’s Wicked?”
WICKED DEFYS GRAVITY IN THEATERS NOVEMBER 22
About the Blogger - Kiwi the Beauty
Kiwi is the free spirited blogger and content creator of KiwiTheBeauty.com. As a digital influencer, she produces creative inspiration around beauty, lifestyle, media and travel leisure. Her life mantra is to make manifesting fun! When she’s not blogging, she is eating trendy hipster food, carrying crystals, making it rain at her local farmer's market and binge brunching.
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The press run for Wicked has been nothing short of enchanting, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande showcasing their genuine friendship and the emotional journey they’ve shared while bringing this beloved story to life. Their bond has grown so strong that they even got commemorative tattoos to celebrate their time together on this film—talk about a lifelong connection! Watching Erivo as Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Grande as Glinda (the Good Witch) is a testament to how art can imitate life. It’s clear that this film has been transformative for both of them, and it’s bound to leave a lasting impact on audiences everywhere, especially those familiar with the original Broadway production that debuted in 2003.
Wicked dives deep into the backstory of Elphaba, giving us a fresh perspective on the iconic characters from The Wizard of Oz. For decades, we’ve been fed the idea that Elphaba was pure evil, but this film takes us on a journey to understand her origins. From the mystery surrounding her conception to the reasons behind her green skin, we get to see the complexities of her character unfold. Rather than a traditional villain narrative, we’re invited to witness Elphaba’s life story—her struggles, her powers, and her quest for acceptance.
Elphaba’s journey begins at Shiz University, where she’s just supposed to drop off her younger sister, NessaRose, who uses a wheelchair. Instead, she finds herself seizing an opportunity to attend the school under the guidance of Madame Morrible (played by the fabulous Michelle Yeoh). Little does she know that she’ll be rooming with none other than Glinda, the quintessential popular girl—think Cher from Clueless meets Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. The dynamic between Elphaba, the misunderstood outcast, and Glinda, the pampered socialite, sets the stage for a friendship that’s as surprising as it is heartwarming.
At first, it’s not easy for these two to coexist. Glinda even shows some “Mean Girl” tendencies, proving that even the Good Witch can have her flaws. However, as they navigate life together, they find common ground and learn from one another, proving that opposites can truly attract in the most unexpected ways.
As much as the promotional material for Wicked emphasizes the clash of pink and green, the heart of the story isn’t about which character is better. It’s about how their different worlds come together to forge a powerful friendship. You could even say that Wicked is the musical equivalent of the Deadpool and Wolverine dynamic—pink and green versus red and yellow!
Elphaba is far from the monstrous figure she’s made out to be. Sure, green might conjure images of monsters and potions, but Elphaba’s character challenges those stereotypes. She’s empathetic, intelligent, and compassionate, never resorting to violence even when faced with bullying. So, what exactly makes her “wicked”?
Ultimately, Elphaba is a powerful figure in a world where people learn sorcery, but she’s born with it. Is her magic something others envy? As she learns to harness her abilities, she discovers not just her own potential, but also the depth of her friendship with Glinda. Their bond is solidified through their shared experiences and musical journeys, reminding us all that true friendship knows no boundaries—pink, green, or otherwise.
WICKED is definitely set to make waves in the 2025 Awards season with plenty of nominations, and Cynthia Erivo absolutely shines as Elphaba, both visually and musically.
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