I’m not somebody who watches musicals all that usually — not as a result of I hate them, I’m simply not overly keen to listen to folks belt out their emotions in track kind throughout a narrative. So when Depraved was launched final November, I didn’t really feel a have to see it in theaters. However as most, if not everybody studying this is aware of, Jon M. Chu’s movie adaptation of the favored Broadway manufacturing launched in 2003 grew to become a popular culture sensation in its personal proper. Finally this siren’s name grew to become too sturdy for me, so I lately carved out time and watched Depraved, which is now obtainable to stream with a Peacock subscription.
Like so many individuals around the globe, I used to be impressed by the film starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater, amongst many others. Nonetheless, for the needs of this piece, I wish to Marissa Bode’s Nessarose Throp and why I’ve turn out to be so invested in her storyline. Earlier than we go ahead, remember that I’m nonetheless unfamiliar with the Depraved Broadway musical, and I’ve no intention of wanting up spoilers earlier than Depraved: For Good is launched on the 2025 motion pictures schedule.
Why I Appreciated Nessarose’ Storyline In Depraved So A lot
Similar to within the stage musical and Gregory Maguire’s authentic guide Depraved: The Life and Occasions of the Depraved Witch of the West (which, full disclosure, I did learn in highschool, however bear in mind completely nothing about it), Depraved’s Nessarose is depicted because the paraplegic sister of Elphaba whom their father adores whereas largely shunning Elphaba. Initially it was simply Nessarose who was purported to attend Shiz College, however when Elphaba unintentionally unleashed a few of her magic, Madam Morrible took an curiosity in her and she or he was enrolled too.
Now, it’d be a mislead say that Nessarose performs a serious position in Depraved, which adapts the primary half of the unique musical. In case you hadn’t seen The Wizard of Oz, I wouldn’t blame you for not realizing she has an even bigger future forward of her as The Depraved Witch of the East. Nonetheless, it’s her minimal quantity of scenes that really makes me invested in her. With Elphaba getting all kinds of consideration at Shiz College, for higher or worse, Nessarose is left largely overshadowed. It’s not as if she was craving the proverbial highlight like Galinda… sorry, now Glinda, however I’ve to assume that having a sister who’s so in style wouldn’t be the simplest factor to deal with.
However what actually piqued my curiosity in Nessarose is when she was requested to a celebration on the Ozdust Ballroom by Boq Woodsman. Nonetheless, Boq solely did this as a result of Glinda, whom he was enamored with, persuaded him to take action as a result of she wished to attend with Fiyero Tigelaar as an alternative. Nessarose and Boq seem like they’ve enjoyable collectively, however then the previous thinks the latter solely requested her out as a result of he feels sorry for her.
Then afterward, Nessarose realizes that Boq is in love with Glinda. That mixed with Governor Thropp struggling a coronary heart assault upon studying what Elphaba did within the Emerald Metropolis, the film didn’t precisely finish properly for Nessarose. I’m intrigued to see what’s subsequent for her.
Why I’m Wanting Ahead To Nessarose’s Storyline Persevering with In Depraved: For Good
Regardless of not being an fanatic for Wizard of Oz-related materials, after seeing Depraved, I’m wanting ahead to seeing how Nessarose goes from the place she was left in that film to changing into the Depraved Witch of the East and, sadly, getting crushed by Dorothy Gale’s home. Similar to how Elphaba had her causes to defy The Wizard and acquire the fame that will lead her to be branded because the Depraved Witch of the West, Nessarose will certainly have her personal causes for becoming a member of her sister in changing into one in every of Oz’s most feared people. She’s a tragic character in her personal proper, and I eagerly await seeing the inspiration laid for her downfall.
As talked about earlier, I’ve by no means seen the Depraved stage musical, and whereas it’d be straightforward sufficient for me to learn a synopsis about what occurs in its entirety, I’m not going to try this. I’m, nonetheless, staying apprised of reports regarding Depraved: For Good, and one factor that’s caught my eye is a key approach the sequel will deviate from what occurred within the musical. In case you’re unaware, Marissa Bode is the primary actress to play Nessarose who makes use of a wheelchair in actual life.
In case you’ll recall, Nessarose was gifted her silver footwear by her father when she arrived at Shiz College, and these are the identical footwear (depicted as ruby in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz) that can find yourself on Dorothy’s toes. However one factor I’ve been made aware of already is that within the Depraved musical, the silver footwear additionally find yourself permitting her to stroll. Nonetheless, that’s clearly not going to be doable for Depraved: For Good with Bode.
As such, it’s already been revealed that Nessarose’s Depraved Witch of the East transformation sequence will probably be dealt with in a different way with the intention to keep away from ableism. I’m so on board with this even with out understanding how the sequence appeared within the musical. It most likely would have been straightforward sufficient for the Depraved: For Good workforce to make use of CGI to make it seem like Bode was on her legs and strolling, however I love that they’re going out of their approach to provide you with another that matches extra seamlessly together with her bodily situation. It’s pondering exterior the field in a wonderful approach and makes me all of the extra enthusiastic about the place we go along with Nessarose on this adaptation of the second half of the musical.
Depraved: For Good opens in theaters on November 21, so preserve visiting CinemaBlend for updates on its progress. And once more, Depraved can now be streamed on Peacock, top-of-the-line streaming providers, so it’s simpler than ever now to look at the film that gained two Oscars on the 2025 Academy Awards and was nominated in eight different classes.