Wicked (2024) Movie : When I first heard that Wicked was finally being adapted into a film, I was both thrilled and nervous. As someone who has followed the story since its Broadway debut and even dabbled in Gregory Maguire’s original novel, I knew it had enormous shoes to fill. But after watching Wicked (2024), directed by Jon M. Chu, I can confidently say: the magic of Oz is alive, deeper, and more relatable than ever.
Introduction: More Than a Fairy Tale
For decades, The Wizard of Oz gave us a world of yellow brick roads, emerald cities, and witches in black and pink. But Wicked flips the script. It asks a daring question: What if the Wicked Witch wasn’t wicked at all? What if she was simply misunderstood? This film doesn’t just entertain — it provokes, it inspires, and most importantly, it humanizes a character we were told to fear.
• The Plot: A Prequel With Purpose
At the heart of Wicked lies the complex relationship between two young women:
Elphaba (played brilliantly by Cynthia Erivo), born with green skin and misunderstood by society.
Galinda/Glinda (played by Ariana Grande), a charming and popular girl who wants to do good — or at least look like she is.
They meet at Shiz University, where clashing personalities gradually give way to a deep, evolving friendship. But as political tensions in Oz rise — particularly around the treatment of sentient Animals — Elphaba’s moral compass leads her down a path of rebellion.
• The film explores:
The rise of Elphaba as the so-called Wicked Witch.
The corrupt truth behind the Wizard’s rule.
Galinda’s journey from self-obsession to genuine leadership.
How good and evil are not black and white, but shades of perception.
And yes — we get an emotional, jaw-dropping “Defying Gravity” moment that leaves chills down your spine.
• Performances: Cynthia and Ariana Shine
Cynthia Erivo is the soul of this film. Her Elphaba isn’t just misunderstood — she’s brilliant, compassionate, and fierce in her beliefs. Cynthia’s live vocals (yes, recorded live on set) add raw, unfiltered emotion, especially during “The Wizard and I” and “No Good Deed.”
Ariana Grande surprised me. While many doubted her casting as Glinda, she delivers a balance of comic timing, sincerity, and vocal range that really brings Glinda to life. Her rendition of “Popular” adds just the right touch of sparkle and self-awareness.
Together, their chemistry builds a believable and layered friendship — equal parts love, jealousy, admiration, and heartbreak.
• Direction and Cinematography: Jon M. Chu’s Golden Touch
Jon M. Chu (In the Heights, Crazy Rich Asians) proves yet again that he’s a master of musical adaptations. His decision to split Wicked into two parts might have raised eyebrows, but it pays off by giving the story room to breathe.The set design is grand but never overwhelming.
The visual effects elevate but don’t distract.
The color palette shifts with the mood — vibrant during the early school days and progressively darker as tensions grow.
• Some standout scenes:
The classroom duel between Elphaba and Glinda.
The dramatic flying scene during “Defying Gravity.”
The animal rights protest led by Elphaba that echoes real-world activism.
• The Music: Broadway Meets Blockbuster
Original composer Stephen Schwartz reworked the beloved Broadway score with film composer John Powell, giving it a cinematic flair without losing its emotional resonance.
• Notable highlights:
“I’m Not That Girl” — More heartfelt than ever, with a new orchestral arrangement.
“Defying Gravity” — A literal high point, both musically and narratively.
“As Long As You’re Mine” — Romantic, haunting, and beautifully shot.
Also, some new instrumental cues add depth to silent emotional beats. There’s real respect for the source material here.
• Deeper Themes: Wickedness, Power & Identity
What makes Wicked so special is that it isn’t just about magic. It’s about:
1. Identity and Prejudice
Elphaba’s green skin becomes a metaphor for race, otherness, and social exclusion. Her experiences echo those of anyone who’s been judged by appearance or background.
2. Corruption in Power
The Wizard isn’t evil in the traditional sense — he’s manipulative and politically savvy. His propaganda mirrors real-world authoritarian regimes.
3. Female Friendship
Unlike most female-driven narratives that pit women against each other, Wicked explores how women can challenge, support, and change each other — for better and worse.
• Worldbuilding: A Richer Oz Than Ever
The Land of Oz has never felt so fully realized. Every region — from Munchkinland to the Emerald City — is packed with cultural detail, unique costumes, dialects, and socio-political undercurrents. Even smaller characters, like Dr. Dillamond (a goat professor and activist), get layers of depth that make the story more impactful. Wicked (2024) Movie
Costume designer Paul Tazewell deserves a special mention. The wardrobe blends whimsy and realism — Elphaba’s evolving outfit reflects her transformation, while Glinda’s gowns evolve from fluffy to functional.
• The Wizard: Not All That Glitters Is Gold
Jeff Goldblum’s portrayal of the Wizard adds nuance. He’s not a cackling villain, but a man who manipulates hope and fear to maintain control.The movie makes it clear: evil isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it wears a smile and speaks in comforting tones.
• The Ending (Spoiler-Free): Just the Beginning
Without revealing too much — the film ends at a moment that feels like both a conclusion and a new beginning. It’s the perfect bridge to Wicked: Part Two (For Good) coming in November 2025. And yes, it leaves you wanting more.
• Critical Response & Box Office
Wicked received widespread acclaim, with critics praising its depth, performances, and respectful handling of the source material.
Audience scores were equally glowing, with fans praising the emotional weight and musical execution.
It grossed over $750 million globally and trended for weeks on streaming platforms like Peacock post-theatrical release.
My Opinion: A Wicked Win
As someone who values character-driven storytelling, moral ambiguity, and musicals that actually have something to say, Wicked blew me away. It’s a film that:
Challenges assumptions.
Celebrates outsiders.
And doesn’t reduce complex issues to good vs evil tropes. I laughed, cried, and left the theater rethinking everything I thought I knew about Oz.
• Final Verdict
Element Rating (Out of 5)
Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performances ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Music ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Visuals ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Emotional Impact ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rewatchability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What Surprised Me: Expectations vs. Reality
I’ll be honest — when the Wicked casting was first announced, I had mixed feelings.
I mean, Ariana Grande as Glinda? Really?
It felt like a publicity stunt at first. But boy, was I wrong.
Not only did Ariana hold her own, but she brought a vulnerability to Glinda I didn’t expect. Her voice sparkled, but her eyes told the real story — of a girl trying to find herself in a world obsessed with image. And Cynthia Erivo? From her very first scene, she was Elphaba. There was no “acting.” She was the role.
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Characters That Left an Impression
Beyond Elphaba and Glinda, some side characters also left their mark:
Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey)
Fiyero isn’t just eye candy — he’s the bridge between the two women, and the one who undergoes one of the most subtle but significant transformations. His chemistry with Cynthia felt real and bittersweet.
Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh)
Now this was some elite casting. Michelle Yeoh played her with a sharp tongue and an even sharper agenda. Every scene with her was chilling — especially as her true nature was revealed.
Boq and Nessarose
Wicked (2024) Movie, These two have a smaller arc but serve as a mirror to the central theme: how love, rejection, and longing shape who we become. Their subplot feels tragic in a very human way.
Dialogues That Stayed With Me
A few lines from the movie stuck in my head long after I left the theater:
> “Just because you find that life’s not fair, it doesn’t mean that someone else is to blame.”
That line hit hard. It’s such a stark reminder of how we often look for villains in our pain, when sometimes, life is just… unfair.
Another one:
> “Everyone deserves a chance to fly.”
This isn’t just about broomsticks. It’s about freedom, dignity, and breaking out of whatever cage society has put you in.
These moments don’t feel preachy. They feel earned. Like the film is speaking directly to the outsider in all of us.
The Metaphor of Green Skin
What moved me most was how the movie treated Elphaba’s green skin — not as a gimmick, but as a symbol
She’s born different. Not by choice. And from the beginning, everyone assumes she’s trouble.
That metaphor can apply to race, disability, caste, queerness, mental health — anything that sets someone apart in a judgmental world.
And the film doesn’t solve that. It doesn’t give her a magical makeover. Instead, it shows her learning to own her identity, even when the world vilifies it.
Wicked vs. Other Modern Musicals
Let’s get real: in the past few years, we’ve had a flood of musical adaptations — Cats (disaster), Dear Evan Hansen (awkward), West Side Story (mixed reception). But Wicked stands out.
Why?
Because it understands the heart of musical storytelling — emotion in melody, theme in lyrics, and character in choreography. And Jon M. Chu gets how to adapt theater for the screen without stripping away its soul. This isn’t just a “filmed musical” — it’s a cinematic reimagination. Wicked (2024) Movie
Small Details That Made a Big Difference
One thing I always look for in adaptations is attention to detail. And this movie did not disappoint.
The choreography during “Dancing Through Life” tells its own story.
The background extras react realistically — not like mindless puppets.
Even the lighting evolves with Elphaba’s inner world — cooler hues during isolation, warmer during moments of connection.
You can tell this film was made by people who care.
Behind the Scenes: Why Two Parts?
Many fans were skeptical when Universal announced the story would be split into two parts. But after watching Part One, it makes complete sense
The story has room to breathe — we understand the politics of Oz, the personal history of characters, and the stakes involved.
No rushed character arcs. No crammed scenes. Just clean, steady emotional build-up. And now, I’m more than ready for Wicked: Part Two.
Cultural Relevance in 2024
What struck me was how Wicked felt so timely. In 2024, when discussions about identity, misinformation, and public perception are louder than ever, this story feels urgent.
Elphaba isn’t just a witch — she’s anyone who’s been misrepresented.
The Wizard isn’t just a conman — he’s any system that thrives on illusion.
This makes Wicked not just a musical, but a mirror to our world. And I think that’s what separates good art from great art.
Audience Reaction: What People Are Saying
I went to a packed theater, and the energy was electric. Some reactions I heard after the film:
> “That was WAY better than I expected.”
“Cynthia needs an Oscar, now.”
“I want to rewatch it just for the music.”
“I cried three times and I’m not even ashamed.”
Even non-musical fans were moved. That says a lot.
My Final Reflections
When I left the theater, I felt something I haven’t felt in a long time after a film: hope.
Wicked (2024) Movie Not because everything was resolved — it wasn’t. Elphaba still had to flee. Glinda still had to make hard choices. But it was hope in self-acceptance, hope in truth, and hope that maybe being “wicked” is just the beginning of being real.
Personal Note
I’ve grown up loving stories — especially ones that take familiar tales and turn them on their head. And Wicked did that in the best way possible.
It reminded me that behind every “villain,” there’s a story.
Behind every label, a human being.
And behind every good musical… is a truth waiting to be sung.
What I’d Tell Anyone Thinking of Watching It:
If you love musicals — go see it.
If you don’t love musicals — go see it anyway. It might just change your mind.
If you’ve ever felt different, judged, or out of place — this movie is for you.
And if you just want a visually stunning, emotionally
powerful, and musically brilliant film that actually has something to say — look no further.
• In Conclusion: Not Just a Movie, a Movement
Wicked (2024) Movie is more than just a film. It’s a cultural moment — one that reminds us that behind every villain is a story waiting to be understood.
As Elphaba says, “I’m through accepting limits ‘cause someone says they’re so.” And maybe that’s the real message — don’t let the world define your story.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Broadway version or a newcomer to Oz, Wicked will cast a spell on your heart — and stay there long after the credits roll.
