Emerald towers shimmer against a swirling green sky as the Land of Oz bursts to life, a world of wonder and secrets. At the heart of it is Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), born with emerald skin and a gift for magic she doesn’t understand.
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Shunned by her family, she’s sent to Shiz University, where she meets her bubbly roommate Glinda (Ariana Grande), the popular blonde who initially mocks her but soon becomes her closest friend. Their friendship is the core of the story, two women growing into their destinies, one toward light, the other toward shadows.
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As Elphaba studies under Madame Morrible, she discovers disturbing truths about Oz being the suppression of talking Animals and the manipulative rule of the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). Her idealism turns into defiance when she realizes she’s being used. During a dramatic confrontation in the Wizard’s chamber, she unleashes her full power, vowing to stand against him.
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Declared “wicked” by the regime, she flees into the storm, her green cloak billowing as she chants the spell that lets her fly.
Meanwhile, Glinda is torn between loyalty to her friend and her duty to Oz. Their paths diverge, but the emotion never fades. The finale, a breathtaking reimagining of the “Defying Gravity” moment shows Elphaba soaring into legend, while Glinda watches, heartbroken yet proud. The film ends with quiet reflection: two friends bound forever by love, loss, and destiny.
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Director: Jon M. Chu
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh
Runtime: 2h 36m
Watch trailer here.
