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Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, is a two-part adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, bringing to life the origins of Elphaba and Glinda. Released on November 22, 2024, the movie looks into Elphaba's transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West.
In this adaptation, Elphaba's turn toward evil isn't caused by a loss of personal morals, but by being rejected and manipulated by society. She rebels against the Wizard's cruel rule, which gets her called "wicked" even though she has good intentions.
Elphaba begins as an outcast at Shiz University. Her morality sets her apart, and she fights inequality. In her interactions with power, Elphaba's ideals are tested, leading her down a dark path.
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Especially after her beloved professor, Doctor Dillamond, is fired, she faces injustice everywhere. This event and her growing awareness of the Wizard's magical creature manipulation shape her identity and incite her rebellious nature.
In Wicked: Part I, Elphaba's principles are confronted by the corrupt powers in Oz, compelling her to undertake progressively audacious actions. The Wizard of Oz, initially perceived as a symbol of hope and authority, is ultimately exposed as a charlatan. Upon confronting him, Elphaba discovers that he has been exploiting magical beings and sustaining a system of oppression.
This crucial moment signifies the onset of Elphaba's metamorphosis into the Wicked Witch in the perception of the public.
Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers from Wicked: Part One. Reader's discretion is required.
Elphaba struggles at Shiz university in Wicked
At Shiz University, Elphaba is an alienated and misconstrued student. Her distinctive green skin renders her an outcast among her peers, frequently subjecting her to ridicule. Despite her challenges, she excels academically and sticks to her view that right and wrong should be acknowledged.
Her relationship during her formative years at Shiz with Glinda is worth mentioning. Glinda's charm sharply contrasts with Elphaba’s unconventionality. Their relationship gradually transforms, and Glinda becomes Elphaba’s trusted confidante.
The pivotal moment in Elphaba's descent into malevolence occurs upon her introduction to Doctor Dillamond, a talking goat who serves as an educator at Shiz University. Elphaba becomes incensed when Dillamond is unjustly dismissed from the university due to his candid opinions regarding the subjugation of magical beings.
She tries to convince other people to support her cause. Her attempts are mostly ignored, though, which makes her feel even more alone and reinforces her belief that she has to stand up for what's right on her own.
Elphaba and her magical powers
Born with innate abilities, Elphaba can manipulate magic from a young age, though she struggles to control it. Early in the movie, she accidentally levitates rocks when defending her sister, Nessa, from bullies, hinting at her untapped potential. Her powers become more pronounced but also uncontrollable, as seen when her emotions trigger violent magical outbursts, such as when she tears up the school’s main hall in a fit of rage.
Despite her lack of control, Elphaba’s magic is extraordinarily strong, and Madame Morrible helps her harness it by using Elphaba’s emotional responses to trigger more powerful spells. Throughout the movie, Elphaba’s magic sets her apart from others in Oz.
The revelation of the Wizard’s Deceit
When Elphaba meets the Wizard in the Emerald City, her journey darkens. He initially seems powerful enough to help her change Oz. Elphaba discovers that he is a manipulative conman who exploits magical creatures. This revelation upends Elphaba's world and makes her question her beliefs.
She is tagged as the Wicked Witch of the West for opposing the Wizard and defending magical creatures. Her social alienation begins here, setting the stage for Wicked: Part II.
Elphaba’s defiance and its consequences
Elphaba continues her beliefs despite hardships. She exposed the Wizard's crimes, which the propaganda machine views as defiance. Elphaba sings "Defying Gravity," a hit song, in a dramatic scene to fight her oppressors. Oz citizens view her as a bad person despite her good intentions.
Elphaba's problems get worse as the story goes on. Her efforts to fight for justice and protect the people she cares about always fail, adding to her reputation as a bad person. The sad things that happen, like her failed attempt to save Fiyero, her true love, make her feel even worse. She feels more and more alone because people she used to trust have betrayed her.
Elphaba's emotional turmoil makes her fall deeper into darkness, and she starts to think that people will always see her as evil, no matter how much good she does.
Elphaba's transformation into the witch
The next part seems to complete Elphaba's transformation into the Wicked Witch. She is now an outcast and a symbol of resistance to the Wizard. Despite her good intentions, her defiance causes tragedy.
She accidentally turns Fiyero into the Scarecrow while trying to save him, further alienating her from her loved ones. These events and her realization that every good deed she does is misinterpreted as wicked strengthen her belief in her “wickedness.”
Having been betrayed by former allies and facing persistent obstacles in her pursuit of justice, Elphaba is expected to resolve to feign her demise and flee Oz alongside Fiyero. This act of defiance signifies her ultimate repudiation of the societal norms that have inflicted considerable suffering upon her.
Wicked is available to watch in theaters.
