The very opening song of Wicked begins with “Good news! She’s dead!” Which refers to The Wicked Witch of the West’s (formerly, Elphaba) death. Glinda The Good appears to confirm the death, and face racked with conflict, throws a stick on fire onto a wood statue of Elphaba, her best friend known to none. When a Munchkin asks “is it true she was your friend?” Glinda reflects on her entire story with the former “Wicked Witch of the West”.
Elphaba Thropp was born green due to being in her mother’s belly after she had an affair and drank “Green Elixir” with the guilty party. Her entire childhood is spent being made fun of by other kids and being shamed by her own father who focuses all his attention on Nessarose, Elphaba’s disabled younger sister. We later learn, her father blames Elphaba for Nessa’s disability because her father forced her mother to eat a special flower making sure Nessarose would not turn out like Elphaba. Due to the flower, Nessarose came too early and came disabled. Interestingly enough, Nessarose, despite facing her own adversities, wishes nothing to do with Elphaba either; complaining how her presence always affects her ability to have her own life, or in Shiz University: “start over”. Elphaba facing discrimination due to her skin color is nothing new in our society, and watching a story from (partly) her perspective really allows us to insert ourselves into her life, and her struggles.
Galinda Upland, born glamorous and loved comes to Shiz University, already loved and incredibly popular (no pun intended). When she meets Elphaba, on impact, she immediately presents a facade of empathy which Elphaba quickly sees right through. Offended, Glinda internally feels the desire to make Elphaba’s life difficult or to stay away from her. This proves to be impossible because Elphaba and Glinda are forced to be roommates, singing an entire song about “loathing, unadulterated loathing.” I’m sure everyone at some point has either been faced with farcical empathy, or been the one exhibiting it.
Charming and rebellious Fiyero Tigelaar, a Winkie prince comes to Shiz University on horseback to corrupt his fellow students, finding Elphaba in the woods and seems almost immediately charmed. However, Glinda catches his eye on arrival. However, although he describes himself as “self-absorbed and deeply shallow” Fiyero has charm in his lack of unkindness toward Elphaba that the rest of Shiz students do. Not once in the story does he judge Elphaba for being green, or goes along when others make fun of her. Unlike many male romantic interests in media, Fiyero's character development does not rely on a morality and kindness change, but rather finding himself to not be as shallow and self-absorbed as previously stated, something many young men should see.
Including many more characters with many more essential stories, Wicked remains timeless. Whether on Broadway or on the big screen, it touches hearts wherever it plays. However, the depth at which this first film (of two) goes, makes it an exciting remake of the Broadway show. Although two hours and forty minutes, I guarantee, every single second of this film is worth the watch, and its length allows us access to the continuously relevant plot, and characters. Wicked is a film everyone should see, and you will walk away with a new zest to create joy and change in our world.