I’m not exactly the biggest fan of musicals. Characters bursting into song mid-conversation doesn’t really appeal to me. So, when I walked into the theater to see Wicked, I wasn’t expecting much. But by the end, I found myself surprisingly moved, entertained, and dare I say, won over by the magic of the movie.
First, let me quickly summarize the plot without spoiling everything. Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, focusing on the untold story of two witches in the Land of Oz: Elphaba, “The Wicked Witch of the West,” and Glinda, “The Good Witch of the South.” The film, like the Broadway musical it’s based on, explores their unlikely friendship, rivalry, and involvement in the politics and corruption of Oz, which ultimately leads to Elphaba’s villainous reputation.
What really drew me into Wicked was the story’s depth and the strength of its characters. The film’s plot is engaging enough to stand on its own without the frequent musical numbers. Elphaba and Glinda are both complex characters with real emotional arcs. Their friendship, and eventual conflict, are heartfelt and relatable.
The film’s visuals are amazing, which is another reason I found myself captivated. The cinematography and world-building are very impressive. From the towering, enchanted forests to the glimmering emerald city, the aesthetic of Oz feels vibrant and full of life. This made me much more interested in the world the story takes place in than I previously was after originally seeing The Wizard of Oz.
The soundtrack is undeniably catchy. Even someone who usually scoffs at the idea of people singing in the middle of a plot twist has to admit the songs often added to the emotion of a scene. While the lyrics frequently felt a bit melodramatic, the raw singing ability of the actor who plays Elphaba, Cynthia Erivio, brings enough to the performance to sell the song, even to a musical skeptic. Elphaba’s songs represent a powerful anthem about independence and standing up for what you believe in.
The movie is also paced very well. This is a long movie with a run time of two hours and forty minutes, but you wouldn’t think that. Typically the ending scene of a movie is very obvious but when Wicked hit the closing scene I seriously questioned whether the movie was about to be over because it felt like nearly three hours had flown by. I think this is one of the most impressive aspects of Wicked; the ability to make a long movie feel quite normal length. They managed to jam-pack content into every minute of the movie without dragging it along.
However, some specific scenes did feel a little dragged out by the songs. While most of the musical numbers added to the overall emotion of a scene, there were just as many that felt like they prolonged scenes to an excessive length. It wasn’t the biggest problem ever, but it did feel like some of the less important parts of the movie got more screen time than needed.
There was also a tendency to over-explain things, which makes some moments feel a little too “on the nose.” For example, certain songs and dialogue-heavy scenes feel like the characters are constantly telling you how they feel, rather than showing it through actions.
What sets Wicked apart from other musicals I’ve seen (or avoided) is its thematic depth. There’s more to this movie than just the catchy songs and bright costumes. It’s a story about how good and evil are not always so simply laid out. Elphaba is an outcast, misunderstood for her appearance and powers, while Glinda is often caught up in the politics of popularity and conformity. The way the film handles these themes—without getting preachy or overly heavy-handed—was one of the things that surprised me the most. Unlike many musicals that rely on formulaic romance or lighthearted comedy, Wicked focuses more on the bond between two women who are both trying to figure out who they are in a world that doesn’t always accept them. The friendship between Elphaba and Glinda feels real and earned, not just a backdrop for the plot to unfold.
So, did I like Wicked? Yes. It may not have changed my general aversion to musicals, but it certainly made me appreciate what they can do when the story is strong and the performances are stellar. If you’re like me and aren’t sure about musicals, I’d still recommend giving Wicked a chance. You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
