Wicked- A Spellbinding Tale from Elphaba's Eyes

The long-awaited film adaptation of Wicked casts its spell with dazzling visuals, soaring music, and a fresh perspective on the Land of Oz—one that belongs to Elphaba Thropp, the so-called "Wicked Witch of the West." Unlike the familiar narrative from The Wizard of Oz, which paints Elphaba as a villain, Wicked invites us to step into her world, unraveling the truth behind her misunderstood legacy.

From the moment we meet Elphaba (played with both fire and vulnerability), it’s clear that she is not the monster others believe her to be. With her striking green skin, she is an outsider from birth, judged before she even speaks. The film does an exceptional job of immersing us in her perspective, making us feel the sting of rejection, the weight of expectation, and the loneliness that comes from being different. We see the glittering, deceptive Emerald City not as a place of wonder, but as a political machine where truth is twisted and power corrupts.

Elphaba’s journey is the emotional core of the film—her bond with Glinda, her fight against injustice, and the moment she chooses to defy gravity rather than conform. The cinematography shifts as the story unfolds, from warm hues in her fleeting moments of hope to darker, shadowed tones as her world becomes more dangerous. The musical numbers elevate these emotions, especially “Defying Gravity,” which is staged with breathtaking grandeur, perfectly encapsulating Elphaba’s decision to embrace her own power despite the world’s judgment.

What makes Wicked so powerful is its ability to make us question the labels assigned to heroes and villains. Through Elphaba’s eyes, we see how fear and propaganda shape public perception. She never seeks to be a villain—she simply refuses to stay silent in the face of injustice. The film forces us to ask: If we had only ever heard her story, would we have seen her as wicked at all?

With a blend of stunning performances, heartfelt storytelling, and a much-needed shift in perspective, Wicked isn’t just a musical spectacle—it’s a reminder that history is written by those in power, and sometimes, the real villains wear crowns, not capes.