Is Wicked Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Wicked is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Wicked Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1998, Wicked emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A cul-de-sac in an oppressive suburb becomes a literal dead end for wife and mother Karen Christianson when she is brutally murdered in her own home. Unlike standard genre fare, Wicked attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Wicked features a noteworthy lineup led by Julia Stiles . Supported by the likes of William R. Moses and Patrick Muldoon , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Wicked (1998) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Wicked Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Wicked is a Thriller film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Wicked Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Wicked attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Wicked reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Wicked?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Wicked Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $4.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Wicked Budget
The estimated production budget for Wicked is $4.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Wicked
- Julia Stiles – Ellie Christianson
- William R. Moses – Ben Christianson
- Patrick Muldoon – Lawson Smith
- Vanessa Zima – Inger Christianson
- Louise Myrback – Lena Anderson
Top Highlights
Julia StilesEllie Christianson
William R. MosesBen Christianson
Patrick MuldoonLawson Smith
Vanessa ZimaInger Christianson
Louise MyrbackLena Anderson
Chelsea FieldKaren Christianson
Casey RionLeon
Venessa VerdugoPolice Woman
Michael ParksDetective Boland
Where to Watch Wicked Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Wicked is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.1/10, and global collection metrics, Wicked stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wicked movie hit or flop?
Wicked has received mixed reviews with a 5.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Wicked worth watching?
Wicked is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Wicked online?
Wicked is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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How Wicked Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Wicked
**_Variation on the Lethal Lolita theme with 16 year-old Julia Stiles_** After a murder at a gated community in California, a smooth, no-nonsense detective (Michael Parks) zeroes-in on the mostly likely suspect. William R. Moses plays the father, Julia Stiles the daughter and Patrick Muldoon the neighbor. "Wicked” (1998) is a crime drama involving a teenage girl, although the identity of the killer is sort of up in the air, which makes it a Whodunnit. It’s similar to other 90’s Lethal Lolita flicks, like "Poison Ivy" (1992), "The Crush" (1993) and "Devil in the Flesh" (1998), but there are enough nuances to set it apart. Julia was only 16 during shooting and so lacks the womanly curves she would later have. Blonde Louise Myrback in on hand as the potential stepmother. Meanwhile Vanessa Zima plays the younger sister. The movie has an artistic flair and droll verve, both welcome. It runs 1 hours, 28 minutes. GRADE: B
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
