Defying Expectations, “Wicked” has always been more than a simple reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz” — it’s a meditation on friendship, power, and the intricate paths to social change. The film elevates this narrative to new heights, offering a deeply layered examination of solidarity to challenge preconceptions.
Anchoring the narrative is the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, a dynamic that defies simplistic interpretations of friendship. The pivotal “Defying Gravity” number emerges not simply as a moment of betrayal but as a nuanced exploration of individual capabilities. Though I definitely see Glinda as a privileged fence-sitter at the end of part 1 of their story, having watched the theatre production, I’m privy to the complex truths of the matter. Her decision not to get on the broom with Elphaba is seemingly strategic and rooted in a deep understanding of both her and Elphaba’s strengths and limitations. Glinda recognises that her power lies not in dramatic gestures but in careful social engineering — a skill set fundamentally different from Elphaba’s passionate, immediate resistance.
Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba captures the character’s fundamental inability to compromise and her burning passion for justice that cannot be contained or strategically modulated. When she declares she cannot “live a lie,” it’s more than a dramatic statement — it’s a sincere character truth. Her power is raw, immediate, and ultimately sacrificial.
Glinda, by contrast, represents a different form of resistance. Her strength is her ability to work within systems to create change through subtle manipulation and strategic positioning. This is, upon reflection, not a lesser form of activism but a complementary approach that the narrative validates. The line “if we work in tandem” becomes less a literal invitation and more a metaphorical promise of future collaboration.
The film, when looked at from this perspective, brilliantly deconstructs the notion of a single, monolithic approach to fighting injustice. Elphaba’s zeal and Glinda’s calculated manoeuvring aren’t simply presented as opposing forces but as necessary counterpoints in the struggle for meaningful change.
Visually, the film is a stunning achievement. The set design and costumes create a world that is both fantastical and intimately recognisable, a perfect metaphor for the story’s exploration of systemic oppression and personal transformation. Ariana Grande’s Glinda brings a perfect balance of comedy and emotional depth, creating a character who is both entertaining and deeply complex.
This story is about the different ways marginalised individuals and their allies can resist oppression. It’s a story that refuses to simplify its characters into heroes and villains, instead presenting them as nuanced, flawed, and fundamentally human.
The casting of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba is itself a powerful statement, bringing additional layers of meaning to a story about otherness, systemic oppression, and the struggle for recognition. Her performance is nothing short of fantastic, infusing the character with a depth and emotional resonance that transcends the original theatrical production.
“Wicked” challenges us to reconsider our understanding of activism, friendship, and personal integrity. It suggests that change is not a singular, dramatic moment, but a complex, collaborative process that requires multiple approaches, perspectives, and sacrifices.
In my first exploration of “Wicked,” I delved into the racial subtext and systemic marginalisation embedded in the narrative, a perspective that’s deeply tied to this analysis.
I believe it’s important to view narratives through multiple perspectives. While this review unpacks nuanced dynamics of resistance and allyship, deeper critique and uncovering overt or covert subtext, is fundamental to understanding a story’s deeper truths. The representation Cynthia Erivo brings allows us the audience, to move beyond abstract discussions of “two best friends” and confront the real, embodied struggles of marginalisation, in a way that feels viscerally authentic and profoundly personal.
For those seeking a simplistic narrative of good versus evil, “Wicked” will be a revelation. For those willing to engage with its nuanced exploration of power, friendship, and resistance, it is nothing short of WICKED :)
A must-see cinematic experience that defies gravity in every sense.
