WICKED

Wicked (2024) Review: Exploring Redemption Through a Magical Lens

Overview

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked reimagines the untold backstory of Elphaba, the “Wicked Witch of the West,” and her unlikely friendship with Glinda, the Good Witch. Adapted from the hit Broadway musical, this visually stunning prequel to The Wizard of Oz delves into themes of identity, prejudice, and the complexity of morality. While rich in narrative and spectacle, Wicked raises important questions about justice, forgiveness, and how society defines good and evil—all ripe for faith-based reflection.

Comprehensive Analysis

Story: 85/100 (Rich and Thought-Provoking)

The narrative is layered, exploring Elphaba’s journey from a misunderstood outcast to the feared “wicked witch.” This reinterpretation challenges black-and-white moral perspectives, offering a nuanced look at prejudice and how others’ perceptions can shape one’s destiny. While engaging, some elements of the story lean heavily on secular moral relativism, which Christians may find worth questioning. However, there’s an underlying redemptive message about valuing inner beauty and standing up for truth, echoing Biblical themes of justice (Micah 6:8).

Acting: 90/100 (Powerful Performances)

The cast shines, with standout performances by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Erivo brings emotional depth and humanity to her role, making her character’s struggles relatable. Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum offer strong support as pivotal characters, adding gravitas to the political and moral dilemmas of Oz. The chemistry between Erivo and Grande is heartfelt, highlighting themes of friendship and sacrifice.

Direction: 80/100 (Ambitious and Emotional)

Jon M. Chu crafts a visually striking world, blending musical vibrancy with emotional storytelling. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for character development, though the 160-minute runtime may feel drawn out in places. Chu successfully balances the grand spectacle of Oz with the intimate struggles of its characters, but some moments lack the spiritual grounding needed to make the story’s redemptive arc resonate on a deeper level.

Cinematography: 95/100 (Breathtaking and Immersive)

The visual style is a feast for the eyes, with lush, colorful landscapes and imaginative set designs. The contrast between Oz’s vibrant splendor and Elphaba’s darker, shadowed world underscores the film’s exploration of perspective and prejudice. This visual dichotomy echoes Biblical truths about judging by outward appearances rather than the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

Music: 85/100 (Dynamic and Emotional)

The iconic songs from the Broadway musical, including Defying Gravity and For Good, are brought to life with cinematic grandeur. The music amplifies the emotional stakes, though some arrangements may feel overproduced for fans of the original score. The lyrics offer moments of profound reflection, particularly in themes of forgiveness and friendship.

Faith-Based Insights

Faith Lens: 75/100 (Opportunities for Reflection)

Wicked presents opportunities to explore spiritual themes such as redemption, standing against injustice, and loving others despite their differences. Elphaba’s journey parallels the Christian call to live with integrity in the face of false accusations (1 Peter 2:12). However, the lack of explicit Biblical grounding means viewers must actively apply a faith lens to draw out these lessons.

Biblically Accurate Score: 65/100 (Mixed with Secular Overtones)

While the film champions values like justice, courage, and friendship, its moral framework often leans on relativism, suggesting that good and evil are subjective. This contrasts with the Biblical view that God is the ultimate standard of righteousness (Isaiah 5:20). Still, the story offers a chance to discuss how Christ’s truth provides clarity in a morally complex world.

Magic and Witchcraft Score: 50/100 (Requires Discernment)

As a tale deeply embedded in a world of magic and sorcery, Wicked portrays spells and supernatural abilities as integral to the story. While the magic is fictional and serves as an allegory for personal empowerment, parents should discern how these portrayals align with Biblical teachings on the occult (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

Suggestive Themes Score: 90/100 (Respectful and Subtle)

The film remains family-friendly, with no overtly suggestive content or inappropriate relationships. The central friendship between Elphaba and Glinda emphasizes loyalty and selflessness, reflecting Christ-like love (John 15:13).

Creation and Origins Score: N/A

The film does not address themes related to creation or origins.

Moral and Thematic Evaluation

Moral Watchpoints

While the magic elements require discernment, the film avoids gratuitous violence or inappropriate content. Its exploration of morality encourages thoughtful discussion but may confuse younger viewers without guidance on Biblical truths.

Worldview Analysis: 70/100 (Challenging but Open for Discussion)

The film challenges traditional notions of good and evil, presenting a more nuanced perspective. While this can encourage empathy and understanding, it risks promoting a relativistic worldview unless tempered with Biblical truth. Parents can guide children in distinguishing between cultural morality and God’s unchanging righteousness.

Redemptive Potential: 85/100 (Compelling Themes of Forgiveness)

Elphaba’s story demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and friendship, even in the face of societal rejection. Her ultimate sacrifice to protect others mirrors Christ’s selfless love, providing a powerful redemptive arc that resonates with Christian audiences.

Parental Guidance

Wicked is best suited for ages 10 and up due to its thematic complexity and magical elements. Parents should prepare to discuss the portrayal of good and evil, helping children view the story through a Biblical lens.

Discussion Prompts:

• How does Elphaba’s journey remind us of standing firm in the face of false accusations, as Jesus did?

• What does the film teach us about the importance of forgiveness and grace?

• How can we distinguish between cultural ideas of morality and God’s eternal truth?

Favorite Moment

Elphaba’s powerful performance of Defying Gravity encapsulates her refusal to conform to societal expectations, inspiring viewers to embrace their God-given identity with courage.

Favorite Line

“Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” This question invites reflection on sin, free will, and the transformative power of God’s grace (Romans 5:20).

Skip to the Verdict

Wicked enchants with its stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and thought-provoking themes. While its moral ambiguity and reliance on magic warrant discernment, the film offers rich opportunities for discussion about redemption, justice, and the true source of goodness.

Final Scores:

• Story: 85/100

• Acting: 90/100

• Direction: 80/100

• Cinematography: 95/100

• Music: 85/100

• Faith Lens: 75/100

• Biblically Accurate Score: 65/100

• Magic and Witchcraft Score: 50/100

• Suggestive Themes Score: 90/100

• Overall: 80/100 – Visually Stunning with Redemptive Potential

If You Liked This, Try…

• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005): A Christian allegory rich with redemptive themes.

• Frozen (2013): A tale of love, sacrifice, and personal growth.

• The Wizard of Oz (1939): The classic prequel to Wicked, offering timeless lessons about courage and home.

Reflection Prompt

Reflect on 1 Peter 2:12: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” How can we stand firm in faith when others misunderstand or misjudge us?