Wicked (2024) Film Review: Shadow Work, Trauma & Empowerment
Universal Pictures
In an era where conversations about trauma, healing, and empowerment resonate deeply, Wicked: Part 1 offers more than a magical escape. Released in November 2024, this first chapter of the two-part adaptation invites us to journey with Elphaba, whose story is not just a tale of defiance but a mirror for our own struggles to embrace authenticity in a world that demands conformity.
As a holistic counselor, I often witness how the process of reclaiming our true selves can lead to profound transformation. Elphaba’s journey captures this beautifully: it’s about confronting the parts of ourselves we’ve been taught to suppress and finding the courage to integrate them. Her story reminds us that healing isn’t about tidying up our imperfections but embracing the entirety of who we are — the light, the shadow, and everything in between.
The Trauma Beneath the "Wicked Witch" Persona
Elphaba’s defiance isn’t an act of rebellion for its own sake; it’s an armour forged by her experiences. Rejected by her father, grieving the loss of her mother, and judged for her differences, she develops a tough exterior to shield herself from further harm. These defence mechanisms reflect a familiar reality for many: when the world feels unsafe, we learn to protect ourselves in ways that can leave us feeling isolated.
Her story invites reflection: How often do we turn our pain into armour? And at what cost? Elphaba’s fierce independence is both a strength and a shield — a reminder that healing begins when we allow ourselves to soften and sit with our discomfort, rather than numbing or avoiding it.
the Witch Archetype: Shadow Work and Self-Acceptance
Elphaba’s green skin, a marker of her "otherness," becomes a potent symbol of the shadow self — the parts of us that are hidden, feared, or rejected. In Jungian terms, shadow work is the process of integrating these aspects, allowing us to move closer to wholeness.
This work is not without its challenges. Society often demands perfection or invulnerability, making the task of self-acceptance feel daunting. Elphaba’s journey reflects the courage it takes to embrace the parts of ourselves that feel unworthy or unacceptable. True empowerment, her story shows us, isn’t about fitting in or gaining approval but about living in alignment with our full complexity.
Breaking the Binary of Good and Evil
One of Wicked’s most striking themes is its challenge to the binary of good versus evil. Elphaba isn’t "wicked" because of her actions; she’s labeled as such because she refuses to conform. For those of us who have felt judged or misunderstood for stepping off the beaten path — whether in our spirituality, identity, or choices — her story feels deeply validating.
Her narrative raises questions worth considering:
How often do we let others define who we are?
What internalized stories hold us back from living authentically?
By rejecting simplistic labels, Wicked encourages us to move beyond the binaries that constrain us. Elphaba’s defiance becomes a powerful reminder that authenticity, even when misunderstood, is far more valuable than conformity.
Reclaiming Identity in a conforming world
Elphaba’s story also highlights the costs of living in a society that rewards compliance over authenticity. Patriarchal and capitalist systems often encourage us to prioritize external validation — success, appearance, perfection — over our inner truths. Healing, as I’ve seen in my work, often begins when we start questioning these inherited beliefs.
Consider these reflections:
What beliefs about yourself have been shaped by societal expectations?
How might you reclaim parts of yourself that have been suppressed or labeled as "too much"?
Elphaba’s willingness to live her truth, despite the personal cost, inspires us to reflect on the courage required to step into our own authenticity.
"Defying Gravity": Letting Go of External Approval
Few moments in Wicked are as iconic as Elphaba’s soaring performance of “Defying Gravity.” Cynthia Erivo’s raw and emotional portrayal transforms the song into a declaration of liberation — a reminder of the power of letting go of the need for approval. For Elphaba, this moment is not just about defiance but about trusting herself enough to chart her own course.
For many of us, “defying gravity” doesn’t mean grand acts of rebellion; it’s found in the small, everyday choices to honor our truth. What might it look like to release the weight of others’ expectations and rise into your full potential?
Reflective Journal Prompts
Connect Wicked’s themes with your own healing journey through these reflective prompts:
Conforming vs. Authenticity
What parts of yourself have you hidden to fit in?
How might you begin to embrace those parts, even if it feels uncomfortable?
Shadow Work
What aspects of your shadow self have you been avoiding?
What might you learn from exploring these parts with curiosity and compassion?
Challenging Labels
What roles or narratives have you internalized that no longer serve you?
How might you begin to rewrite those stories in alignment with your truth?
Reclaiming Identity
What beliefs are holding you back from living authentically?
What might your life look like if you fully trusted yourself?
Defying Gravity
What fears must you release to step into your potential?
How might you start letting go of the need for external approval?
A Journey Toward Wholeness
Wicked isn’t just a story of defiance; it’s a celebration of the messy, beautiful process of becoming whole. Elphaba’s journey teaches us that strength isn’t about being perfect or unshakable — it’s about embracing our flaws and complexities. As we await the second half of her story, we are invited to reflect on our own:
What would it mean to live in alignment with your authentic self?
What might you release to step into your fullest potential?
Like Elphaba, we all face moments where we must choose between fitting in and standing tall in our truth. Her story reminds us that while authenticity can be costly, the freedom it brings is worth every step.
