Unraveling the Mysteries of the Wicked Witch in a New Light

The Origins of the Wicked Witch

L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" introduced the Wicked Witch of the West. In Gregory Maguire's novel, she was portrayed as a misunderstood sorceress forced into wickedness. This theme was carried forward in the 2003 Broadway musical, where Elphaba was made into a sympathetic figure. However, in Jon M. Chu's 2024 film, the origins of the Wicked Witch are explored in a different light. Elphaba is an illegitimate child with green skin and telekinetic powers, which she uses to defend herself against bullies. Her journey from a misunderstood outcast to a potential villain is a central theme of the film.

The film shows how Elphaba's life is shaped by her interactions with others, such as her little sister Nessarose and her roommate Galinda. These relationships play a crucial role in shaping Elphaba's character and her eventual descent into wickedness. The film also delves into the backstory of how the Witch got her hat, broomstick, and the flying monkeys, adding depth to the character and the story.

The Lead Actresses and Their Performances

Cynthia Erivo plays the future Wicked Witch Elphaba with a certain level of restraint. She is an excellent singer and can belt out the show's numbers with ease, but her performance lacks the emotional depth that the character requires. She seems afraid to show any actual wickedness or anger, which makes her performance somewhat underwhelming.

Ariana Grande, who plays Galinda, is a professional pop star and can hit the high notes, but her performance is also lacking in emotional depth. She portrays Galinda as a vapid, shallow character more concerned with fashion and popularity than with skill or achievement. The chemistry between Erivo and Grande is not as strong as one would expect, and their performances often feel disjointed.

The Plot and Its Underwhelming Aspects

The plot of "Wicked" is largely half-baked, with a series of tired origin-story events that feel played out. The film focuses on the university where Elphaba and Galinda study and the policies of bigotry that are enacted there. The goat professor Dr. Dillamond is especially aware of the growing anti-animal policies, adding a subplot to the main story. However, these subplots do not add much depth to the overall plot and often feel like filler.

The film also lacks the winking ironic verve of Maguire's novel and the bold musical acumen of a Broadway show. Instead, it is a long, ineffectual, busy, and mushy mess. The climax of the film, where the Yellow Brick Road is built, is a particularly underwhelming moment that fails to live up to the expectations set by the rest of the film.

Comparison to Other Films

"Wicked" most closely resembles Ron Howard's "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Both films take thin material and stretch it into a prolonged cinematic experience that strains the audience's patience. The visual design of both films is overly ornate and lacks genuine whimsy. In "Wicked," the Oz world is a generically overdesigned mishmash of fantasy images, while in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," the Whoville world is a cold and colorless place.

Both films are a testament to the massive work that went into their making, but they ultimately fail to engage the audience on a deeper level. "Wicked" is a long and draggy film that lacks the energy and excitement of a proper Broadway show. It is a visual garbage disposal of color and candy that fails to leave a lasting impression.