Written by: Jeaneve Tan, Class of 2020
Decked in green and black, you might have mistook the scene at Suntec Convention Centre for an early Christmas celebration. But surprise! It was something even more magical and meaningful—our final Unwind Saturday movie screening of the year: Wicked (Part 1).
Excitement buzzed through the air as attendees eagerly shared their memories of the Wicked musical. Many had watched the stage production and were thrilled to see how the musical’s grandeur and emotional depth would translate onto the big screen. For them, this was more than just a movie night—it was the chance to relive a beloved story in a brand-new way.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights) and produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), Wicked brings to life the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy dropped in, two unlikely friends—Elphaba, the green-skinned girl misunderstood for her differences, and Glinda, the popular and seemingly perfect one—found their friendship tested by the pressures of sorcery, society, and their own dreams. The film’s exploration of loyalty, identity, and purpose struck a surprisingly powerful chord with real-world issues, reminding us that every story has multiple perspectives.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande brought their characters to life with dazzling performances, delivering powerful songs that captivated the audience. Whether singing solo or harmonising in duets, their vocals were flawless, evoking a mix of awe, joy, and even a few tears. It was a cinematic experience that blended breathtaking visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and timeless music.
The evening was elevated by the energy and camaraderie of our alumni, who came out in full force to celebrate. Nizam, Class of 2017 (BA in Business), shared how much he enjoys attending Unwind Saturday events, calling them a perfect way to spend the weekend. “I’ve been to several screenings, and I always look forward to movie nights like these,” he said, smiling alongside his girlfriend, Hidaya. Both arrived dressed in green to embrace the theme and enjoyed mingling with fellow graduates.
Tricia, Class of 2023 (BA in Biomedical Engineering), was equally enthusiastic. A regular at SUSS events, she brought along her mum, Anna, who was beaming throughout the evening. Tricia also commented how these events are a great way to reconnect, and hopes that the cap on guests can be increased so she can bring more of her family and friends to participate!
Joey, Class of 2009 (BA in Mathematics and Economics), agreed wholeheartedly. For her and her spouse, Eric Tang, these screenings are more than just movie dates—they’re an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, reminisce about their time at SUSS, and meet new faces in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. We seek alumni’s understanding on this as some events have limited capacity and we give priority to our alumni.
What stood out most was the incredible spirit of the attendees. Not only did they embrace the green and blacktheme wholeheartedly, some also turned up in Wicked merchandise, from T-shirts to accessories, showing their passion and excitement for the movie. Their energy was contagious, and it was heartening to see so much support for the Unwind Saturday series!
With such a spectacular end to 2024, we can’t wait to bring you even more unforgettable movie
