Wicked: A Movie That Finally Happened
Okay, so you know how Wicked, the movie, was supposed to come out ages ago? Yeah, well, between the pandemic and that whole SAG-AFTRA strike thing, it got pushed back to November 2024. But honestly? The wait was worth it. It's gotten amazing reviews, even winning Best Picture from the National Board of Review! I was pretty skeptical at first – all that hype can be a bit much – but I finally caved and streamed it on Peacock. And you know what? I’m glad I did. I’m going to focus on something specific that really got me: Nessarose’s story.
Nessarose: More Than Just Elphaba's Sister
Marissa Bode’s portrayal of Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister (and, you know, the future Wicked Witch of the East), is just captivating. Nessarose doesn’t have a huge role in the first half of the movie (which is based on the first half of the musical), but that actually makes her even more compelling. It’s all about the quiet struggles. She’s so overshadowed by Elphaba's whole Shiz University drama, which is understandable, but seeing Nessarose quietly struggle in the background… it’s really heartbreaking. I mean, that awkward date Boq, orchestrated by Glinda? Brutal. It perfectly highlights her vulnerability and just the sad reality of her situation. The movie ends with her storyline totally unresolved, leaving me desperate for the sequel.
The Sequel is Coming...and I'm Ready
Wicked: For Good is coming in November 2025, and it promises to dive deep into Nessarose's transformation. What I really appreciate is how they handled things differently than the musical. In the movie, they worked around Marissa Bode’s real-life wheelchair use, which is fantastic. It’s such a great example of inclusive storytelling. I'm already dying to know how they're going to expand her story. I'm thinking it's going to be intense.
How to Watch (And Sing Along!)
You can currently stream Wicked on Peacock TV (it’s like $7.99 a month), and they even have a singalong version, which is fun! Plus, there’s bonus content. You can also buy or rent it on tons of other platforms. But seriously, don’t miss this movie. It’s award-winning for a reason. It’s a truly captivating musical experience. And, you know, you might want to have some tissues handy.
