Wicked wasn’t a box office success by chance.
It delivers a well-told story with songs that move the plot forward not just fill screen time. The musical numbers are fun, emotionally powerful, and performed with impressive vocal quality.
It delivers a well-told story with songs that move the plot forward not just fill screen time. The musical numbers are fun, emotionally powerful, and performed with impressive vocal quality.
What surprised me even more was how much the art direction and acting stand out in this film. Knowing that many scenes were recorded with the actresses singing live on set only adds to the respect this production deserves.
If you’re someone who has a bias against musicals, this might be the perfect film to challenge your perspective.
If you’re someone who has a bias against musicals, this might be the perfect film to challenge your perspective.
2024: A Bittersweet Year for Film Awards
The 2024 award season left a slightly bitter taste. Artistically speaking, I truly believe Wicked deserved far more recognition. Compared to other award-winning films, it stood out for its direction, storytelling, and aesthetics.
Seeing Wicked compete with films like Emilia Perez and lose in some categories felt unfair. With every award announcement, it felt like the industry was overlooking a carefully crafted piece of art.
“But I don’t like musicals…”
I hear this a lot, and I get it. Musicals don’t always appeal to everyone or at least they don’t seem appealing when first announced. But just like any other genre, there are great musicals and not-so-great ones.
One of the biggest challenges is the language barrier. Musicals heavily rely on the original sound and vocal performance. When dubbed, they often lose their strength, rhyme, and rhythm.
Even though there are incredible dubbing efforts out there, musicals are in a league of their own. I always recommend watching them in the original language it makes all the difference.
Stunning Visuals, Thoughtfully Balanced
One of Wicked’s major highlights is its production design. The use of color, especially in the costumes, is intentional and carefully crafted. It’s not just over-the-top fantasy it’s artistic vision.
Despite using more muted tones than one might expect, the art direction finds a perfect balance between the magical elements and the story’s more dramatic moments.
Visually, it’s a beautiful film that could have easily gone overboard but instead, it hits the right tone.
Visually, it’s a beautiful film that could have easily gone overboard but instead, it hits the right tone.
And it’s important to emphasize: this is not just a film “for teenagers,” as some influencers have said. There’s real depth here, with serious themes and emotionally impactful scenes.
A Cinematography That Deserved an Oscar Nod
Wicked not being nominated for Best Cinematography at the Oscars left me puzzled.
The cinematography is rich, sensitive, and meaningful. Many scenes directly communicate the emotions of the characters and reflect their narrative arcs beautifully.
The cinematography is rich, sensitive, and meaningful. Many scenes directly communicate the emotions of the characters and reflect their narrative arcs beautifully.
Elphaba, played with strength and nuance by Cynthia Erivo, is one of the best characters I’ve seen recently. She faces discrimination, overcomes adversity, and seeks knowledge not relying on others to fix her problems.
Her character development is one of the film’s strongest points. Cynthia’s performance is simply flawless.
When I think of powerful, inspiring female representation, Elphaba definitely makes the list.
When I think of powerful, inspiring female representation, Elphaba definitely makes the list.
Ariana Grande: The Pleasant Surprise
One of the surprises for me was Ariana Grande. I hadn’t followed her pop music career closely, but in this film, she shines as both an actress and a singer. Her portrayal of Glinda is charming, funny, and full of subtlety her “Toss Toss” moment is hilarious and brilliantly done.
The synergy between Cynthia and Ariana is evident and elevates the emotional weight of the scenes they share.
Music and Emotion, Just Right
The soundtrack is a spectacle. Their performance of Defying Gravity is goosebump-inducing.
If you saw their performance at the Oscars, you know what I’m talking about. It’s the kind of moment that defines a film experience.
If you saw their performance at the Oscars, you know what I’m talking about. It’s the kind of moment that defines a film experience.
Had Cynthia won the Oscar for Best Actress, it would’ve been more than deserved. Her delivery belongs among the kind of legendary performances that remind us why we love cinema.
Final Thoughts: Wicked Breaks the Musical Mold
If you haven’t seen Wicked because you think musicals aren’t your thing, my advice is: give it a chance.
This is the kind of film that can change your perception of the genre.
This is the kind of film that can change your perception of the genre.
Wicked has everything in the right measure: a well-constructed narrative, layered characters, stunning visuals, drama, fantasy, and a touch of romance. And above all it has soul.
That’s my personal take and I’d love to hear yours.
Have you seen Wicked? What did you think?
Have you seen Wicked? What did you think?
See you in the next post,
Edson
Edson
