Erivios approach is thoughtful and sensitive, portraying Elphie as a sweet, quietly misunderstood person.
But she remains isolated as all other characters dismiss or ostracize Elphaba.
Glinda (or Galinda) is the only person she can be honest and confide in.
In this new context, its even harder not to sympathize with Elphie.
I felt like a mother who wanted to shout, My poor baby!
But when she and Glinda meet the Wizard, her objectives quickly change.
Elphaba makes a selfless request to free the animals from imprisonment as her one wish.
And the film goes to show the extent of Ozs totalitarian power in a way the stage cannot.
Fans of the Broadway show are familiar with this dark turn, but it is a rattling display onscreen.
you’re free to tell that Elphaba and Glindas friendship has shifted.
By the time Defying Gravity commences, the impact of your emotional attachment toward Elphaba is stronger.
Writers Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox take bold creative liberties to render the number in cinematic form.
Its a striking display that only the power of movies can evoke.
a visual cue that stylishly goes beyond its source material and grips you to the soul.
And in that moment, she is facing down those who tried to oppress her.
She liberates herself and the audience from their menace.
It also helps thatWickeddoesnt falter in handling the racial prejudice themes stemming from Gregory Maguires novel.
Anyone who has ever faced racism can deeply connect with every note Erivo delivers in his moment.
Wicked is playing in theaters now.
