by Aby Lo ‘26

The 2024 movie adaptation of Wicked brings the beloved Broadway musical to life on the big screen in a wonderful and meaningful way. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande as Galinda (later Glinda), the film focuses on the two characters in their adolescence and how they went from hating each other to becoming best friends. Everything changes quickly when the two leave their university together to go to the city of Oz. Wicked touched upon important topics like betrayal, trust, and friendship. Songs, typified best by “What Is This Feeling,” are fun and catchy.

Wicked is largely set at Shiz University, where Elphaba, a girl with green skin who has extraordinary powers, is an outcast who struggles with her identity and harsh judgment from the students. Galinda is a popular and bubbly student who goes out of her way to try to impress the school’s headmistress, Madame Morrible, played by Michelle Yeoh. Galinda’s obsession with wanting the teacher’s approval creates tension between her and Elphaba, who Morrible can see is the one with actual magical powers.

However, as the story progresses, they start to understand each other’s struggles. One of the film’s best strengths is how it highlights that being unique isn’t something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be celebrated. What also really stands out in Wicked is how it teaches viewers that not everyone in your life will always have good intentions for you. People will betray or try to take advantage of you, and others may judge you simply for being yourself.

One of Wicked’s central conflicts revolves around the oppression of animals in Oz. This is caused by a system that was created to oppress animals, making them second-class citizens. In Oz, animals are becoming forbidden from speaking and stripped of their rights. Dr. Dillamond, voiced by Peter Dinklage, is a goat who is Elphaba and Galinda’s history teacher at Shiz University. Dr. Dillamond warns Elphaba of the danger to animals in Oz, which propels the action in the final third of the film.

The character of Fiyero, played by Johnathan Bailey, is a charming and rebellious prince caught between Elphaba and Galinda’s growing friendship and the larger conflict with the oppression of animals. His relationship with Elphaba, especially as it evolves, creates an emotional connection that deepens the central conflict of the film without overshadowing the themes of friendship and standing up for what’s right.

The performances in Wicked are amazing. Songs in the movie like “Defying Gravity” capture Elphaba’s determination to fight for what’s right, while “What Is This Feeling?” is a catchy song that perfectly captures Galinda and Elphaba’s initial hatred for each other. The music then becomes more emotional, with “For Good” serving as a beautiful rhyme that sums up their journey and the impact they’ve had on each other’s lives. The soundtrack complements the story well, with songs that range from lighthearted to emotional and powerful.

Wicked 2024 is a must-see for anyone who likes a mix of excitement and depth. It combines awesome visuals, unforgettable and rhythmic music, and inspiring themes to create a story that is both entertaining and meaningful. Best of all, the film is only part 1 of the story, and its ending leaves viewers anticipating part 2 that comes out next year.

Grade: A