AtanariaJon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked is more than just a cinematic spectacle; it’s a masterful reimagining that dives deep into the nuanced narratives of otherness, acceptance, and identity. As a musical that has long been embraced by LGBTQIA+ audiences for its themes of defying societal norms and embracing one’s true self, this film adaptation captures these elements with an intensified resonance. With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande leading as Elphaba and Glinda, Wicked offers a layered exploration of queer subtext, making it a significant cultural artifact for contemporary audiences.
Elphaba and Glinda: A Tale of Love, Friendship, and Acceptance
At the core of Wicked lies the complex and evolving relationship between Elphaba, the green-skinned outcast who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the popular and seemingly perfect Good Witch. Their dynamic, filled with initial animosity that blossoms into profound mutual understanding, serves as a rich narrative wellspring for exploring themes of friendship, love, and identity that resonate with LGBTQIA+ experiences.
Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba brings a raw authenticity to the character’s struggles with acceptance and self-worth. As an openly queer, Black woman, Erivo’s performance is imbued with a metatextual depth that highlights the intersections of race, queerness, and marginalization. Her portrayal of Elphaba’s journey from an ostracized student to a powerful figure of defiance mirrors the real-life narratives of many LGBTQIA+ individuals who face prejudice and fight for acceptance in a world that often seeks to marginalize them.
Ariana Grande’s Glinda, on the other hand, presents a nuanced evolution from superficiality to genuine compassion. Grande’s personal reflections on Glinda’s closeted aspects add another layer of interpretation, making her character’s journey not just about self-discovery but also about confronting internalized societal expectations. This interplay between Erivo and Grande’s characters fosters a relationship that transcends mere friendship, hinting at an emotional depth and complexity that many LGBTQIA+ viewers find deeply relatable.
Queer Subtext and Cultural Context
The queer subtext in Wicked is not just a product of modern interpretation but a continuation of a legacy that began with The Wizard of Oz. The 1939 film, starring Judy Garland, has long been a cultural touchstone for queer audiences, with its themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the search for a place where one belongs. The phrase “friend of Dorothy,” which originated in queer circles, underscores the film’s significance as a queer cultural artifact.
Wicked, both as a musical and now as a film, builds on this foundation. From the moment Elphaba and Glinda meet at Shiz University, their relationship is charged with a tension that can be read as more than platonic. Songs like “What is This Feeling?” and “For Good”, laden with emotional intensity, reflect the kind of deep, transformative relationships that are often central to LGBTQIA+ narratives. These moments, where the boundaries between friendship and something deeper blur, resonate with audiences who see in Elphaba and Glinda’s bond a mirror of their own experiences with love and identity.
Stacy Wolf, in her essay “‘Defying Gravity’: Queer Conventions in the Musical ‘Wicked,'” discusses how the musical’s structure and thematic elements align with queer conventions. She points out that songs traditionally reserved for romantic pairings in mid-twentieth-century musicals are here repurposed for the relationship between two women. This intentional queering of the musical format highlights the importance of Elphaba and Glinda’s connection, positioning it as the central relationship of the narrative.
Amplifying Queer Representation
The casting of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande brings new dimensions to Wicked‘s queer subtext. Erivo’s background and openness about her own sexuality enrich her portrayal of Elphaba, making her character’s outsider status more poignant and her defiance more empowering. Her performance, filled with emotional vulnerability and strength, offers a portrayal that many LGBTQIA+ viewers can see themselves in, particularly in her moments of isolation and her ultimate embrace of her identity.
Grande’s Glinda, with her transformation from a self-absorbed student to a compassionate ally, reflects the journey many people take in becoming supportive of LGBTQIA+ rights and issues. Grande’s vocal prowess and comedic timing add layers to Glinda’s character, but it is her subtle expressions of vulnerability and growth that resonate most deeply, especially when viewed through a queer lens.
Queerness in the Visual and Musical Language of Wicked
The visual language of Wicked further amplifies its queer themes. The stark contrast between Elphaba’s green skin and Glinda’s pink wardrobe at the start of the film evolves into a harmonious blend of colors as their relationship deepens. This visual metaphor for acceptance and unity is a powerful representation of breaking down barriers and embracing diversity.
Musically, Wicked uses its score to explore themes of identity and belonging. Songs like “Defying Gravity” and “No Good Deed” are anthems of self-empowerment and defiance against societal norms, themes that are central to the LGBTQIA+ experience. The music’s ability to convey these emotions so effectively is part of what has made Wicked a beloved work in queer circles.
A Meaningful Impact For Youth
Wicked‘s cultural impact extends beyond its narrative and performances. It has become a touchstone for discussions around queer identity in mainstream media. The film’s release, much like the original stage production, invites a re-examination of how queer themes are represented and embraced in popular culture.
The decision to split the adaptation into two films, while commercially motivated, also allows for a deeper exploration of these themes. It gives audiences more time to engage with the characters’ journeys and the societal issues they confront, making the story’s queer subtext even more pronounced.
A Celebration of Queer Identity and Defiance
Jon M. Chu’s Wicked is not just a retelling of a beloved musical; it’s a cinematic celebration of queer identity and the defiance of societal expectations. By focusing on the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, the film elevates the queer subtext of the original narrative, offering a story that is as much about love and acceptance as it is about magic and rebellion. For LGBTQIA+ audiences, Wicked is more than entertainment; it’s a beacon of hope and a reminder that being different is not only okay but can also be a source of strength and empowerment.
In a world that often seeks to marginalize those who defy conventional norms, Wicked stands as a powerful affirmation that, sometimes, defying gravity is just the beginning.
