The Wicked Witch of the West has always been a mystery and something of a contentious figure. Is she really evil, or is her wickedness just a matter of perception? In Wicked: Part One, directed by Jon M. Chu, the origin of this misunderstood character takes center stage. The film portrays Elphaba's complex journey, showing her transformation from an empathetic young woman into a symbol of defiance.
Though she is called wicked, the story impels the viewers to think about the label and consider whether her actions come from evil or a desire for justice. The truth is somewhere in between—Elphaba is not truly evil but someone who has been manipulated, misunderstood by society, and affected by personal tragedy.
The film is a two-part adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. As the story progresses, viewers may notice Elphaba's efforts to battle the unfair system in Oz. A vow that is solidified with her powerful performance of "Defying Gravity."
Let us examine her role more closely and find out reasons as to why she is perceived to be a villain and other elements that stand out in Wicked: Part One.
Elphaba comes to know the truth of the Wizard
When Elphaba arrives at Shiz University she realizes that some animals have lost their ability to talk. However, unlike the others, she understands how it feels to be discriminated due to perceived differences. She befriends Dr Dillamond who also becomes a mentor to her.
In a pivotal scene, Elphaba meets the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) in Emerald City. The Wizard compels Elphaba to cast a spell from the Grimmerie. As she gives in, she ends up creating an army of flying monkeys for him. This deception makes her see that the Wizard's regime is merely a rickety fake constructed from inequalities and deceptions.
“Refusing to participate in his schemes, Elphaba chooses rebellion over compliance,” writes David Thompson for The Direct.
She decides to go against the wizard and chooses to do the right thing. However, she gets labeled as a 'wicked witch' due to the lies spread by Madame Morrible. This moment highlights an important idea in the film: how people in power often bend the truth to make those who disagree with them look bad.
Friendship and betrayal are at the heart of Elphaba’s story
Elphaba and Glinda's relationship is an important emotional aspect of the movie. They start as rivals but eventually form a strong friendship that is tested when their lives take different paths. Glinda, wanting to be "popular" with the people of Oz, joins the Wizard's administration, but Elphaba remains steadfast in her fight against the regime.
The emotional goodbye through 'Defying Gravity' (which initially started out as a song where they thought they could work together to ensure justice prevails in the world) depicts their difference in belief.
“Elphaba’s plea for Glinda to join her rebellion is met with hesitation, emphasizing their growing divide,” notes Good Housekeeping magazine.
Glinda stays because she thinks that she can make a difference by being part of the system and not by Elphaba's extreme measures.
Still, their friendship persists even as they both stand firm in their beliefs. This bond becomes apparent when Glinda, despite the growing tension between them wraps a blanket around Elphaba to keep her warm.
Is Elphaba's journey after Wicked: Part One that of a villain or hero?
Elphaba is perceived as wicked because she dared to go against the system. However, for those ostracized like her, she is no less than a hero. She is not inherently evil as depicted by her actions of standing up for what's right even in the face of danger.
According to The Direct, in Part Two, the movie will explore the themes of being alone and giving up things for others as a consequence of Elphaba's actions. It will also depict how she becomes the feared Wicked Witch.
In April 2022, Jon M. Chu said that splitting the story into two parts will help in exploring some of the themes more deeply.
“With more space, we can tell the story of Wicked as it was meant to be told while bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys of these beloved characters,” he stated.
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You can see Wicked: Part One in theaters right now while Part Two will drop next year.
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