We’ve seen a lot of buzz around Jon M. Chu’s latest rendition of Wicked in the past few weeks. This excitement may be because of its stunning art direction, incredible performances from the talented cast, including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and of course, the music, which reportedly features some live vocals recorded during the film's production. Although, Wicked also explores themes and explorations of differences and power. Perhaps this is what makes this film truly stand out in today’s world.
When Wicked, the broadway musical based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel was debuted in 2003, it quickly became more than just a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz. It turned into a cultural phenomenon that challenged the way we think about power, morality, and differences. The 2024 film adaptation of Wicked build on the legacy of the broadway musical and the original novel, offering a fresh take on Elphaba’s story, as the “Wicked Witch of the West”, and her frenemy Glinda, the “Good Witch”. Their evolving friendship forms the emotional core of the story, leaving many viewers with a deeper appreciation of their complex bond and how loyalty serves as both a sense of strength and struggle from both characters. Beyond this unlikely, iconic friendship, is an exploration of difference, power, and societal expectations, elements that deeply resonate with viewers.
At the heart of Wicked is Elphaba, the misunderstood "Wicked Witch of the West," who is often misunderstood and made fun of for her green skin. In the 2024 film, the choice to cast a Black actress as Elphaba takes this idea even further, connecting her green skin to larger conversations about race and how people who don't fit in with the majority are often feared and made fun of. This choice makes Elphaba's difference feel even more relevant today, especially in a world where discrimination still exists.
The way Elphaba's green skin is portrayed visually goes beyond just making her look "scary" or "evil", it becomes a striking symbol of how society often rejects those who are different. Rather than being a simple sign of something unnatural, her green skin now stands as a powerful reminder of how we treat people who don’t conform to societal norms, whether it’s because of their race, appearance, or background. The film’s treatment of her character challenges us to rethink how we view and treat those who are different from ourselves, making her journey more resonant than ever in the context of today's world.
Elphaba's main anthem, the song, “Defying Gravity” highlights what it’s like for people who have been left out or treated unfairly, telling them to rise above their struggles. The song talks about Elphaba’s fight to break free from the limits society has set for her, just like how many marginalized individuals today have to overcome big challenges to reach their dreams. When Elphaba sings, "So if you care to find me, look to the western sky," she’s saying she won’t let anyone keep her down or call her less than others. Her story is all about finding her own strength and standing up for herself, but it also raises an important question: Are people born bad, or do they become bad because of the way they’re treated? This question helps the audience think about how people who are treated unfairly can sometimes act in ways that others judge as bad, even though they’re just trying to survive. The song and Elphaba’s journey make us think about what "good" and "bad" really mean, especially when it comes to power and the way people are treated.
The story of Wicked is powerful because it shows that things aren't always as simple as it seems. It teaches us not to judge people just by how they look or what they appear to be to others on the outside. Elphaba, who everyone thinks is a villain, shows that she has feelings and makes tough choices, just like anyone else. Even Glinda, the "good" witch, has her own flaws and moments when she is selfish, and puts herself first. In real life, we see something similar when people fight for fairness and justice. Sometimes, they have to decide between what’s best for everyone and what’s easiest for themselves, or between what feels "right" and what is "quick."
The film also offers a critique on authority and political greed. In Oz, the rulers lie to the people, make them scared, and turn them against each other, thus dividing the population. The diabolical leader spreads false stories about Elphaba and makes people afraid of her, framing her as the enemy, which is a lot like how some leaders today try to control people by telling lies and stopping anyone who opposes their beliefs. This silencing of opposition serves as a reminder of how people in power crush those who dare to challenge against it. Wicked helps us understand why it’s important to stand up against unfairness and fight for what's right.
Ultimately, Wicked is a story about standing up to the forces that try to control us, label us, and keep us from being who we really are. Elphaba's fight for freedom and the right to make her own choices is something everyone can relate to, no matter where they come from. The film encourages us to question the labels others put on us like "wicked," "different," or "other" and think about why those labels exist in the first place. It pushes us to reflect on the systems that create unfairness and consider how we can challenge them, just like Elphaba does when she decides to defy everything and embrace her own truth.
In a world still struggling with issues like race, power, and oppression, Wicked isn’t just an escape into fantasy it’s a powerful reminder that change takes real action. It shows us that making a difference means having the courage to go against the crowd, look past what’s on the surface, and stand up for what’s right even when everyone else says to just stay quiet. This film is a call to action, so let’s get to work.
