180. [Movie Review] Wicked (2024): Give them a real good enemy
After watching Wicked (2024), phew... The Filipino karaoke bars are not ready for this. I'm really happy to hear revitalized music come back into the mainstream, actually. I think there's something so satisfying about about how they recycle melodies and themes, making the songs feel both fresh and familiar.
I've always been super cynical about people not making something fresh and original, but it's been a while for Wicked... I think keeping the old media updated is a smart way to keep the magic alive while reaching new audiences. There's something comforting about the familiar, and tweaking a classic allows it to feel both nostalgic and contemporary. It doesn’t always have to be about inventing something entirely new; sometimes it’s about exploring new layers or perspectives. I think that’s where Wicked’s strength lies. It's kept its core but still feels like it's relevant, which is no small feat.
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My first encounter with Wicked was when I was waiting at an airport on the way to Greece when I was 13 years old. Intrigued, I dove into Gregory Maguire’s reimagining of Oz, captivated by the depth of Elphaba’s story. Later, I found bootlegged versions of the musical on YouTube, which became my first glimpse of its theatrical magic.
On the first day of December, I wanted to take my younger cousin out to see a movie. She has a deep interest in singing and music and I thought that maybe she'd enjoy watching Wicked. I got her a giant popcorn and seats in an entire row to ourselves.
Cast
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp
- Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
- Ethan Slater as Boq
- Bowen Yang as Pfannee
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Beyond the music and the spectacle, Wicked (2024) resonated with me because it’s a story about being misunderstood, finding your people, and learning to embrace who you are. It’s about friendship and sacrifice, dreams and heartbreak, and the messy, beautiful journey of life.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in 'Wicked' (2024) from Movie Stills Database
If there’s a song that feels like a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever been told they can’t, it’s Defying Gravity. When Cynthia Erivo belted that final note, I cried. She made it her own.
There have been moments in my life where I’ve felt boxed in - by expectations, by circumstances, even by my own fears. This part in the movie reminded me of the times I’ve chosen to push past those boundaries. It’s the song for every time I’ve dared to take a risk, move countries, change careers, or even just stand up for myself.
I shed so many tears during the film. I'm just a little sensitive. The tears I shed during this film felt like a catharsis- honestly, it felt like a release of emotions I hadn’t realized I was holding onto.
If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor: bring tissues, and prepare for your heart to be simultaneously broken and mended. You’ll leave the theater a slightly different person - isn’t that what great art is supposed to do?
~ for good,
<3 K