The cast interviews fill up your Instagram explore page. The soundtrack keeps popping up in your TikTok algorithm. Your theater friends keep making niche references. Over the past few weeks, it’s been hard to ignore the chokehold that the 2024 movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked” has on the film and performing arts world. But why is the film so popular? And does it have deeper implications?
Brimming with powerful vocals and intricate musical numbers, “Wicked” — which is actually only part one of two films — tells the origin story of Elphaba Thropp, known in the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz” as the Wicked Witch of the West. The film tells the story of Elphaba’s antagonistic relationship turned unlikely friendship with Galinda Upland, known in other adaptations as Glinda the Good Witch. The movie features big-name stars like Ariana Grande, who plays Galinda, and Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba.
The multiple conflicts of the film show the characters facing prejudice, challenging propaganda and learning how one’s privilege can influence their decisions. Many of Elphaba’s struggles come from the judgment she receives for her green skin, which outcasts her. Her feelings of ostracization and strong sense of justice lead her to connect with others treated like outcasts, particularly Oz’s talking animals who are being forced from their jobs, mysteriously disappearing and shoved into cages by humans who hope they lose their ability to speak. While Elphaba is ultimately willing to lose everything to stand up for justice, Galinda chooses the silent path, despite loving her friend.
Although it’s set in a fictional world, the film’s commentary on privilege and power is relevant to real life, with Erivo herself saying her Black and queer identities shaped how she portrayed Elphaba. Full of twists, the film will keep even superfans of the Broadway musical on the edge of their seats, drawing out both laughter and tears.
Overall, “Wicked” is a must-watch, especially before part two of the movie, which covers the second act of the Broadway musical, releases in November 2025.
Rating: 9.5/10
