Wicked Shines, Anora Disappoints — A Tale of Two Films and Hollywood’s Ending Problem

Wicked Shines, Anora Disappoints — A Tale of Two Films and Hollywood’s Ending Problem

Brief Summary:

Wicked delivers on its legacy with breathtaking visuals and a faithful adaptation of the beloved book and musical, despite an underwhelming press tour. Meanwhile, Anora—despite sweeping awards—falls flat with an implausible plot, awkward pacing, and a baffling lack of emotional payoff. This review explores both films and a growing issue: why are so many modern movies collapsing at the end?

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Key Takeaways:

• Wicked is a triumphant visual and emotional adaptation—faithful, magical, and worthy of its legacy.

• Anora won big at the Oscars—but lacked dialogue, depth, and believability.

• Recent films struggle with endings that feel rushed, dark, or unsatisfying.

• Audiences are hungry for hope, clarity, and payoff—not cinematic nihilism.

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Full Review:

Wicked (2025)

Directed by: Jon M. Chu

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande

Wicked could’ve been a disaster. Press coverage prior to release was disjointed, vague, and left fans worried. But the film? It soars.

The movie honors both the book and Broadway show, blending the emotional origin story of Elphaba with dazzling set design and powerful performances—especially from Cynthia Erivo, who brings raw emotion to every scene.

Ariana Grande’s Glinda surprises with vulnerability and range, and the visual storytelling elevates moments like “Defying Gravity” into goosebump-worthy cinematic peaks.

Wicked is a love letter to fans who’ve waited over a decade for a film that respects its roots—and it’s proof that when you stick to the source material, magic happens.

Sources:

• Playbill on Wicked Film

• Wicked Book by Gregory Maguire

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Anora (2024)

Directed by: Sean Baker

Starring: Mikey Madison

Winner of Cannes and the subject of critical obsession, Anora might be the most overrated movie of the year.

There’s almost no dialogue, no tension, and zero plausibility. The premise—a Brooklyn stripper who marries a Russian oligarch’s son—could’ve been brilliant. But the film refuses to explore any real stakes.

The notion that she wouldn’t be silenced, disappeared, or worse after the wedding defies logic. What’s worse, the ending is flat, ambiguous, and emotionally empty. It’s the latest in a trend of arthouse films that avoid closure under the guise of being “edgy.”

So why all the awards? Perhaps because critics are being sold the idea of a good film more than an actual story.

Sources:

• Variety Review of Anora

• Oscars 2025 Full Winners List

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The Bigger Problem: Endings That Don’t End

From Anora to Poor Things, The Whale, and even some superhero films, a disturbing trend is emerging: movies that simply fail to deliver endings.

Not in a thought-provoking way—but in a lazy, unresolved, hollow way. Characters vanish, plots fizzle, and themes remain unexplored. It’s cinematic nihilism disguised as sophistication.

But audiences notice. And they’re not inspired—they’re disappointed.

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Bottom Line:

• Wicked is what movies should be: beautiful, emotional, and story-driven.

• Anora is what awards bait has become: high concept, low payoff.

• Hollywood, take note: audiences want endings that honor the story, not insult it.