The year 2024 was a big year for many movies, my favorite being “Wicked” directed by Jon M. Chu stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh & Jeff Goldblum. The movie was released on November 22, 2024 and was nominated for 10 academy awards, winning 2, 1 for Best Costume (Paul Tazwell) and another Best Production Design (Nathan Crawley; Set Direction: Lee Sandales). 

The start of the movie takes place in Munchkin Land (The Land Of Oz), and G[a]linda is telling the munchkin landers about the Wicked Witch Of The West (Elphaba)’s death. As this is happening a little girl asks Ariana Grande’s character G[a]linda if she was once friends with the Wicked Witch. This moment triggers Glinda’s memory bringing the film to an instant flash back.

During the flashback we learn that Elphaba’s green skin was caused by an affair her mother had with a salesman (her father is anonymous).  Her father the Governor Thropp is annoyed with her appearance while her sister Nessarose (who is paralyzed) is favored.

As a young adult Elphaba goes to Shiz and is immediately shunned for her green skin. Madame Morrible (the dean of Shiz) takes interest in Elphaba and tutors her privately causing jealousy and tension with others. Later she is assigned to the dorm with Galinda (later Glinda) who is the outgoing & popular student. At first they’re relationship is a key point of comedy in the film. The song “What Is This Feeling?” is a notable song on a musical basis. Later in the film the tension between them ceases and instead they have support and care for each other.

Now the movie introduces the ‘rising conflict’, at this point of the film Elphaba, Galinda, and the viewer(s) learn that animals in Oz are losing the ability to speak freely. Dr. Dillman, a goat professor who is one of the only animals in Oz who can speak is a voice for this oppressed group. Elphaba morally feels that she has to fix this problem (bring it to The Wizard’s attention). This is when she learns the wizards true intentions. 

During the climax of the film Elphaba is invited to The Wizard’s palace in The Emerald City she and at this point of the film Glinda go together. Elphaba is asked to read the grimmerie which is an ancient spell book that we later learn would have been used for control. The spell she read creates the flying monkeys we know and love from ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Realizing this is a trap, Elphaba flees and Glinda attempts to follow however she is unable to prevent the fallout. Madame Morrible then labels Elphaba as ‘The Wicked Witch’ and a threat to Oz. This marks the beginning of the witch we know from ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

This may be the end of the movie: however, this is not the end of the story, ‘Wicked: For Good’ is set to release November 21, 2025. The second movie will give insight to how Glinda and Elphaba relationship evolves and the tension that arises. Part 2 will show us how Elphaba’s passion was turned into ‘wickedness’ and how the story ends. Part 1 is about becoming, but Part 2 is about destiny and choices that will change everything.