Wicked – Part 1 (2024)

I was surprised to see this film on terrestrial TV so soon, but I guess it’s because the second part, “Wicked For Good” is being released in theatres this American Thanksgiving weekend and they want to make sure that everyone’s seen the first part.

The idea of showing an origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz movie (1939) puts the story on its head. When the stage musical was first produced, critics and audiences alike loved it. In the age of the underdog, we tend to cheer for the outsider, no matter what their colour or stripes.

Elphaba was born green. That sets her apart from everyone else, including her family. However, her temper brings out the worst (best) of her. She, in the first part, does not yet have control over it. She feels utterly alone. And then the teacher of magic decides to tutor Elphaba as her only pupil. And then things begin to change. She shares Glinda’s room, and little by little they become friends. Sounds like normal university life, doesn’t it?

Glinda (originally Galinda) is a very self-centred girl. Anything she does ‘for good’ has an egotistical edge to it. The contrast of her with Elphaba couldn’t be more extreme. Elphaba is an activist, also for the underdog (or lion cub, in this case).

Hogwarts couldn’t have been better served as a school (Shiz) of higher learning. It’s the equivalent of a High School Musical, so teens of the female persuasion would be the best fans of this film. But the prejudice and privilege on display are hard to watch at times. Glinda doesn’t come out looking as good as she thought she was. Elphaba doesn’t come out as the villain the Wizard’s propaganda would suggest.

There are life lessons here. Hopefully, people are paying attention.