Wicked: Part I begins long before Dorothy's arrival in Oz, introducing Elphaba, a talented but misunderstood young woman born with emerald-green skin. From an early age, Elphaba struggles with her unusual appearance and powerful, innate magical abilities. Her life takes a significant turn when she arrives at Shiz University, a prestigious institution in the Land of Oz. Initially ostracized by her peers, she finds an unexpected and fiery rivalry with Galinda, a popular, ambitious, and seemingly superficial student. Their initial animosity gradually evolves into a complex friendship as they become roommates. Elphaba's exceptional magical aptitude catches the eye of Madame Morrible, the school's headmistress, who decides to mentor her privately, recognizing the immense potential within her. Through this mentorship, Elphaba hones her skills, but also begins to uncover unsettling truths about the magical world and the political climate of Oz. A key event is a public demonstration of her magic at the university, where she inadvertently saves a Lion Cub from a cruel experiment, further highlighting the growing mistreatment of animal citizens. Their journey leads them to the Emerald City, an opulent and dazzling metropolis, where Elphaba hopes to meet the revered Wizard of Oz and use her powers to help the oppressed. However, upon their audience with the Wizard, they discover that he is not the benevolent figure they imagined. The film chronicles Elphaba's increasing disillusionment with the Wizard's regime and the manipulative nature of those in power. She witnesses firsthand the systematic discrimination against the Animals and the suppression of truth, which ignites her passion for justice. This realization culminates in a dramatic confrontation with the Wizard and Madame Morrible, forcing Elphaba to make a pivotal decision to stand against tyranny, embracing her identity as a powerful, independent sorceress. The first part concludes with Elphaba being branded a 'wicked' witch by the Wizard's propagandist efforts, setting her on a path of defiance and rebellion, while also showcasing the fracturing of her bond with Galinda, who is slowly being drawn into the Wizard's manipulative orbit.
