One can’t ignore the fact that Wicked is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Especially due to the way the film regards the relationship between Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda, played by Ariana Grande. Individually, these characters represented women that differ in every way imaginable, and yet these unlikely friends are a testament to the power of female relationships.
She’s Popular
Glinda, of course, represents the popular girl. More than that, she’s the girly girl, the one who doesn’t mind being beautiful, and in fact, she finds it to be a source of power. Glinda is the epitome of an influencer and communications guru all in one. Aside from that, there’s an unacknowledged depth to her that even she shies away from. Within Glinda, you have an earnest heart that wants to be brave enough to be good, smart, and capable of more than being a billboard model. The problem is that she plays the part the world assigned her to, and in turn, her relationships are just as artificial.
She’s Wicked
Elphaba has been an abomination since birth—she was viewed as less than because of the color of her skin. That’s it, that is all it took for the world she knew to write her off. Elphaba was unwanted, and yet; she still did what she could to be good. She took care of her sister, stood up for the little guy, and worked her hardest to be the best in school—all while hiding her talents. Over time, a wall within her was built, one of sarcasm and wit. This wall protected her from the never-ending prejudice and in turn allowed her to maintain her dignity.
Together They’re Unlimited
While the world had already labeled Glinda as good and Elphaba as wicked, the two had yet to make up their own minds about one another—until they did. After finding out Glinda helped Elphaba’s sister get a date, and in the midst of a prank by Glinda to make fun of Elphaba, the two sort of see each other in a different light. Elphaba sees that despite her prejudice, Glinda was capable of being kind in a way that contributed to the happiness of Elphaba’s sister. Glinda is able to acknowledge that in spite of her efforts to humiliate her, Elphaba was stronger than the world’s criticism, and Glinda was able to admire her courage to simply be.
The most loving thing I believe a person can do is to choose not to see past differences, but to learn to admire and cherish the unique qualities that convey one’s character. I like to say that this can be explained by the phrase: “I love you because… not despite.” In doing so, Glinda takes a step towards standing out, thus providing a safe space for Elphaba to tear down her wall. The loathing they felt for one another turns out to be synthetic, and their bond is forged in friendship.
She can Defy Gravity
Elphaba had originally convinced herself of being unworthy of the kind of compassion and understanding Glinda provided. Before Glinda, Elphaba believed that the only way for the world to see her worth beyond her exterior was to impress and be validated by the Wizard of Oz, played by Jeff Goldblum. With Glinda, Elphaba felt validated and more than that, Elphaba finally knew what it felt to belong after not belonging anywhere for so long. This safe haven allowed Elphaba to dream beyond what the Wizard could offer and gave her the strength to pave a new path and to defy gravity, even if it meant she was alone.
She can be Good
As the story goes on, Elphaba will influence the influencer. Despite not going with Elphaba on her activist’s journey to save the world, Glinda followed Elphaba’s example in standing up for her morals for the right reasons. Before Elphaba, Glinda saw her future as being stuck in the role of perfection, marrying the perfect guy (Fiyero Tigelaar, played by Jonathan Bailey), and living a life of luxury. Elphaba showed her there was a different way to lead, and that you can do so all on your own. Glinda found real love, even if it wasn’t as romantic as she had originally planned. In the end, despite the many heartbreaks endured, Glinda built up a resiliency enabling her to be strong enough to fight the battles Elphaba couldn’t. With her friend’s bravery, she became Glinda the Good.
For Good Goodbyes
Each woman found their missing piece in one another. Nothing lasts forever, and yet no one plans on goodbyes. Eventually, after so many trials, the best of friends part ways. It’s an amicable separation based on the fact that they both choose different paths. In a ballad (For Good) dedicated to their final farewell, Elphaba and Glinda pay homage to Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken.” They’re basically saying how what they’ve chosen for their futures will have been hard-won, but they wouldn’t be who they are without each other.
There is something so pure about not realizing the importance of one’s mere existence in our lives. How do the people we meet, mold us into the people we are? Is it a choice? Isn’t that all of us though? We meet someone without knowing that someday they might be the person we don’t want to live without, that their significance is going to be trying but worth it. Or we meet another lesson, the person who’s significance is found in how they influence us. You, whoever you are, your existence in my world regardless of how long or short, has changed me for the better, For Good.