How Wicked Brings Oz Back to Life

Intro

Wicked has been a beloved book and musical for decades, a powerful reimagining of the characters in The Wizard of Oz. Although I wasn’t overly familiar with the story before watching the film adaptation, seeing it brought to life on the big screen has been nothing short of life-changing.

Few things are more moving than watching someone rise above adversity and make a change in the world.

The Story Synopsis

Wicked is a story centered around two very different characters. Elphaba, long known as the Wicked Witch of the West, is reintroduced to the audience through a deeply human lens. She is feared and ostracized not because of her actions, but because of her skin color. This reimaging adds a new depth to a character who was once only seen as a villain. 

Then there is her counterpart, Galinda, who nearly everyone adores. The story follows their unlikely friendship, which begins with an immediate rift when Elphaba’s confidence exposes Galinda’s insecurity. 

As the story unfolds, Elphaba forms a connection with the animals of Oz. With the help of Madame Morrible, she believes that her powers, combined with the Wizard’s support, can help protect the animals from being pushed out of Oz.

Part Two of Wicked shifts the focus from Elphaba’s mission to expose the Wizard’s lies to the emotional turmoil weighing on Glinda. The bond formed between Glinda and Elphaba has changed her worldview, and in the second act, she is forced to confront what it means to be loved while hiding a painful truth.

The power of Wicked lies in its ability to make the audience reflect on who they are and who they want to be. Through the lessons learned from this story, I can say I have been changed for good. 

With Wicked, every song reaches far beyond the screen.

The Music

Not enough can be said about how the music elevates this story. Every song carries an emotional weight, and with this star-studded cast, the soundtrack reaches far beyond the screen. One thing that makes Wicked great is the actors’ ability to switch from spoken word to song with ease, keeping the audience completely captivated. This can also be attributed to the excellently written dialogue and story, which make it necessary for the characters to express themselves through song. 

Cynthia Erivo delivers the performance of a lifetime—her vocal prowess is out of this world. Every note is controlled and effortless, including the breathtaking belt in the film’s core anthem, Defying Gravity. It is the kind of performance that will be remembered long after she is gone.

Then there is Ariana Grande, known for her pop vocals, who outdoes herself in this film. She sings songs that require skills far beyond her usual techniques. The preparation and dedication she put into Glinda shine through brightly. 

Of course, Wicked would not be what it is today without the iconic songs that make it beloved by all. What Is This Feeling is a fun introduction to the sharp differences between its core characters. Thank Goodness/I Couldn’t Be Happier, revealing the emotional struggles Glinda carries due to the choices she has made. And finally, For Good, the emotional centerpiece that ties both films together.

The wind swallows all sound until her final call rings.

Scenes Filled With Heart

Leaving the theater after watching both parts of Wicked becomes impossible without revisiting these three unforgettable moments.

The Dancing Scene

This scene is the turning point in Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship. The scene opens as Elphaba walks to the center of the ballroom and starts dancing alone. The silence is thick, and the tension could be cut with a knife. Personally, I was holding my breath the whole time. When Glinda finally joins her, I sighed in relief. This moment reveals a new side to Elphaba, a softer one. Through this dance, she lets the wall she built around herself come down just enough to allow the audience in. 

Defying Gravity

This scene is what defines Wicked. This is where Elphaba becomes her most authentic and most powerful self. The final sequence in part one is unbeatable on the big screen. The wind, swallowing all sound until her final call rings through, sends a chilling sensation through the audience, leaving them with goosebumps. 

The Closet Scene

The emotion displayed in this scene is overwhelming. Cynthia and Ariana’s real-life friendship contributes to the raw emotion felt through the screen. Their genuine love for the story of Wicked, paired with the improvised “I love yous,” adds a depth to their characters that cannot be manufactured. Director Jon M. Chu captures every bit of their vulnerability, making the scene one of the film’s most memorable.

Their friendship changes them, and by the end, it changes us too.

The Finale

In the end, the film adaptation of Wicked did not disappoint. Jon M. Chu and his extraordinary cast delivered a piece of art filled with heart. These films bring new life to a beloved story. Whether you see yourself in Elphaba or in Glinda, Wicked leaves you with lessons that will stay with you long after it ends. A story that was once unfamiliar to me is now one I will never forget.