Wicked of Oz (2026)
Film details
Action · Fantasy · Horror · Aaron Mirtes · 1h 18min
Synopsis
A freak tornado pulls Dorothy Gale into the wicked world of Oz just in time for the down-on-her-luck Kansas farm girl to confront Glinda, a starving cannibal who finds herself all out of Munchkin meat. Things go downhill from there, as Dorothy goes head-to-head (literally) against a skull-cracking Scarecrow, a Tin Man whose hobby is to collect still-beating hearts and a Cowardly Lion who pleases his master by ripping apart anyone he sees. Oz becomes Ooze as Dorothy – armed with scavenged weapons – battles her way through hordes of psychotic enemies until she finally happens upon her ultimate nemesis, the Wicked of Oz.
Verdict
Musical adaptation with fantastic charm, but explores power and friendship with subtle ideological nuances.
In-depth analysis
Wicked of Oz, a musical prequel to the classic The Wizard of Oz, situates its main conflict on the philosophical plane: the construction of collective narratives and free will versus social prejudices. Through Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, it explores how defamation and institutional power distort the truth, recalling the Chestertonian paradox that the obvious—intrinsic human dignity—becomes invisible under propaganda. The work defends a cheerful realism by showing human flourishing in authentic filiation and personal courage, without deconstructing natural law. There is no obvious ideological contraband; instead, it subtly criticizes authoritarianism and values individual responsibility. Visually exuberant, with songs that evoke awe and transcendence, it invites the viewer to question superficial appearances. Anthropologically sound, it promotes cardinal virtues such as justice and fortitude, although its theatrical tone may require maturity to appreciate the moral irony. Absent of eroticism or crudeness, it is suitable for families who wish to discuss prejudice and redemption, transforming entertainment into an occasion for formation in common sense and hope. The protagonists' yearning for justice resonates with the Lewisian Sehnsucht, opening doors to grace without explicitly naming it.