Life of Daniel
‘Wicked Part 1’ Defies Gravity For Major Critical and Box Office Success
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Written by Daniel Meyers for Respect My Region | Published Dec. 13, 2024
The 2024 musical fantasy film Wicked (titled on-screen as Wicked: Part 1) was released on November 22 through Universal Pictures. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande (credited as Ariana Grande-Butera, her birth name) as Glinda the Good Witch, it has become both a box office and critical success, grossing $382.7 million worldwide against its $150 million budget, and has been praised by critics. The first of a two-part film adaptation of the 2003 Broadway musical of the same name, loosely based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked: For Good is scheduled to be released on November 21, 2025.
Wicked Plot
Set in the same fictional universe as the 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and its 1939 film adaptation, the film is told from the perspective of two witches, Elphaba and Glinda, who couldn’t be more opposite yet form a complicated friendship. Elphaba was conceived as a result of her mother’s affair with the Governor of Munchkinland, who later abandoned her when she was born with pale green skin, which subjected her to shame and bullying her entire life. Meanwhile, Glinda is popular and liked by everyone in the Land of Oz. When the two become roommates at Shiz University, they learn to put their differences aside and form a meaningful connection.
Wicked Review
Overall, Wicked is a solid film suitable for the whole family to enjoy, and it serves as an exciting entry to a two-part film series. It may seem grueling at first, as the film runs a little over two-and-a-half hours, but by the end, you’ll be glad you sat through it and leave excited for Wicked: For Good. The entire cast shines brightly throughout the film. Still, its lead actresses, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are highlights of the movie, not just for their performances, but their chemistry as actors.
Through her performance, Erivo proves to viewers that she can carry a film as a lead, which is an especially impressive accomplishment against Grande's star power. She almost seamlessly blends her acting and musical chops as Elphaba. Erivo embodies her role so well and truly becomes Elphaba, so much so that the viewer forgets she’s playing a role.
Meanwhile, Grande truly shows her range as a performer through her Glinda the Good Witch performance. She does this as soon as Wicked begins, during its opening number “No One Mourns the Wicked.” Fans are used to the pop/r&b sound in most of Grande’s songs, but she shows another side to her vocals as she belts this ballad, which isn’t surprising considering her roots in musical theatre.
Highlights from Wicked
The actors shine throughout the entire film, but highlights from Wicked include the songs “What is This Feeling“, “Popular”, and “Defying Gravity.” “What is This Feeling” occurs early in the film when Elphaba and Glinda first become roommates and sing about their loathing for each other. In “Popular”, Glinda tries to make Elphaba more like herself so she can be popular because by this point the two have formed a friendship and Glinda wants to make things easier for Elphaba at Shiz University. “Defying Gravity” is a pivotal moment for Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship at the end of Wicked. Elphaba and Glinda face a moral dilemma after finding the Wizard, and their vastly different perspectives test their friendship.
Key Takeaways from Wicked
Even in a world with witches who have magical powers and talking animals as professors, several positive messages in Wicked can be applied to real life. In the beginning, Elphaba is judged by the citizens of Oz, including Glinda, for being different until Glinda accepts her for who she is. Elphaba also accepts Glinda, after initially deeming her as shallow for seeming to only care about her appearance and reputation. The key message is acceptance. Never judge a book by its cover, or a person by the color of their skin.
At its core, Wicked is a story about the persecution of someone who is seen as “different.” Elphaba is hated by the Land of Oz for being the Wicked Witch of the West because they see her as evil or “wicked.” This theme has been present in America for centuries, most significantly during the Salem Witch Trials from 1692 until 1693.
Other key themes present throughout Wicked include self-acceptance, the power of friendship, and fighting for justice. Throughout the film, Elphaba learns to accept herself, and a huge reason for that is her friendship with Glinda, who accepts Elphaba for who she is. Meanwhile, Elphaba helps Glinda discover she has more to offer than her looks. Lastly, when Elphaba and Glinda discover the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is not who they think he is, Elphaba has an important choice to make. Elphaba’s decision to stand against the Wizard’s propaganda and fight for the oppressed demonstrates the courage to stand up for what is right, even if it isn’t always easy.
Wicked is now playing in theatres. Wicked: For Good is scheduled to be released on November 21, 2025.
