Wicked Part 1 Review: A Colorful Backstory That Surprises and Delights
(Spoiler Warning: This blog post contains detailed spoilers for Wicked Part 1. Please proceed with caution if you haven’t seen the movie yet.)
The first part of Wicked was definitely a surprise! I don’t want to sound like every other reviewer, but this is my honest take on the film. First, I have to say that I genuinely enjoyed the movie.
Now, let me give you some context. I’ve seen the original Wizard of Oz movie, but I never saw the Wicked play, didn’t know its plot, and never read any of the related books. So, when I first heard about Wicked: Part 1, I wasn’t particularly excited. It’s not that I disliked The Wizard of Oz—I just wasn’t a big fan of it growing up. It wasn’t one of those stories that left a lasting impact on me.
What really intrigued me was how they would create a movie set in the Wizard of Oz universe without Dorothy, the main character. At first, it felt like a fanfiction-style story focusing on the side characters, but that concept piqued my interest.
As someone who enjoys Ariana Grande’s work, I admit her involvement grabbed my attention, even though there was plenty of drama surrounding her personal life during the filming. Regardless, her excitement about the project rubbed off on me. By the time opening weekend arrived, I decided to go all in—I wore pink to see the movie in Dolby at my local AMC theater.
A Visual and Musical Delight
If you’re planning to see this movie, I highly recommend watching it in Dolby. The vibrant colors and incredible musical score truly come to life with Dolby’s enhanced sound system. It’s a treat for the senses.
The Plot: Backstory and Emotion
The movie begins with a brief scene showing Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Man. Quickly, the audience learns that the Wicked Witch of the West is dead. From there, the story rewinds to give us the backstory of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West.
We learn that Elphaba’s mother had an affair, which led to Elphaba being born with green skin. Because of her appearance, she was ostracized from a young age. The film explores how these experiences of rejection shaped her character.
Elphaba’s relationship with her sister, Nessarose (who uses a wheelchair), adds another layer of complexity. Despite her struggles, Nessarose is treated with more respect by their father, the mayor of Munchkinland. Elphaba is left feeling invisible, further deepening her internal conflict.
When Elphaba enrolls at Shiz University, the tone shifts. The costumes and vibrant setting contrast with Elphaba’s sadness, emphasizing her struggle to fit in. At Shiz, she meets Glinda, who is popular, beautiful, and outwardly kind—but only for show. Their dynamic evolves from rivalry to reluctant friendship, showcasing Glinda’s growth as she learns what true kindness really means.
One standout moment is when Glinda stands up for Elphaba in an emotional scene that left me in tears. The film’s message about finding confidence within yourself and showing genuine kindness truly resonates.
Foreshadowing and Key Characters
A subplot involving animals in Oz adds an intriguing layer to the story. Elphaba befriends a professor who is an animal, and she begins having visions of him trapped in a cage, unable to speak. This haunting imagery hints at a darker truth we’ll likely explore in Part 2.
Other characters, like Prince Fiyero and Boq, play supporting roles. Fiyero, while charming, feels underdeveloped in this part of the story. However, fans of the play suggest his role becomes more significant in Part 2. Meanwhile, Boq’s unrequited love for Glinda leads to manipulative behavior, adding tension to the plot.
Themes and Final Thoughts
The movie brilliantly explores themes of perception, morality, and self-worth. Each character believes they’re doing the right thing, even when their actions say otherwise. The vibrant colors, stunning costumes, and powerful music underscore these themes, leaving a lasting impression.
While Wicked: Part 1 feels like fanfiction at times, it successfully reimagines The Wizard of Oz for a modern audience. As someone who cherishes the original movie with Judy Garland, I think this adaptation offers a fresh take that will appeal to both newcomers and longtime fans.
If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend giving it a chance. The story, music, and visuals are an unforgettable experience—and I can’t wait to see how Part 2 unfolds!
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