Out of the darkness of 2024, the latest viral phenomenon has emerged from the much-anticipated movie adaptation of the beloved musical, Wicked. The phrase "holding space" has taken on new meaning thanks to the heartfelt sentiments expressed by stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande during recent interviews. During one such conversation, journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist shared her observations about fans drawing strength from the lyrics of the song "Defying Gravity". This prompted both actresses to become visibly emotional, setting the stage for what would soon become the latest meme sensation across social media platforms like TikTok and X.
It’s interesting how this meme manages to be earnest yet maintain a tone of playful irony. After all, when you think about it—we as a society are genuinely holding space for the empowering lyrics of "Defying Gravity". With Wicked: Part One breaking box office records, its merchandise saturates the market, and audience members often leave theaters wiping away tears. Whether intentional or not, we are collectively sharing this emotional experience.
But if we're really holding space, one can't help but wonder what exactly we’re sharing space for. What does "Defying Gravity" symbolize for audiences today, especially considering its longstanding history since it debuted on stage years ago? What feelings should the iconic ending of Wicked: Part One evoke?
At its core, the song "Defying Gravity" taps deeply at the heartstrings, chronicling the tumultuous yet empowering arc of Elphaba Thropp, affectionately known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Jon M. Chu has brought this narrative to life beautifully, allowing Elphaba, portrayed by Erivo, to stand tall as she confronts the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, played by Jeff Goldblum. Initially enchanted by the Wizard's facade, Elphaba realizes, much to her horror, the deceptive nature of his authority as she confronts the reality of her own power.
Early on, Elphaba seeks to advocate for the rights of animals throughout Oz. Yet instead of supporting her noble ambition, the Wizard lures her away with promises of being his apprentice, steering her toward the Grimmerie, an ancient spell book of sorts. Excited to prove her worth and wield some magic, Elphaba inadvertently unleashes chaos, transforming the Wizard's guards—primates—into winged monkeys. This pivotal moment solidifies her status as more than just another pawn manipulated by the Wizard.
Once confronted with the damage of her spell, Elphaba is left reeling. She seeks the Wizard's assistance to reverse the havoc she has caused, but his utter lack of power only clarifies her position as both victim and potential savior. Understanding she’s been brought to the Emerald City to play the role of the Wizard’s puppet leads her to reject his authority entirely.
Now faced with the severity of her predicament, Elphaba wishes to escape. She urges Glinda, her best friend and university cohort portrayed by Grande, to join her. Their friendship has always been marked with warmth and loyalty; yet, Glinda embodies the privilege provided by the corrupt systems they inhabit. Following Elphaba would mean shedding her ties to this systemic power, something she reflects upon with both admiration and fear. The emotional intensity builds as Glinda struggles with her own latent obligations to Oz's hierarchy, leaving them both at a crossroads.
This climax teems with tension as Glinda attempts one final plea for Elphaba to stay, desperately wishing to return to the comfortable world they once knew. But Elphaba can’t grovel at the feet of the Wizard any longer. Their lives have diverged, and the socio-political constructs surrounding them make it impossible for both to exist under the same roof, especially with Madame Morrible already framing Elphaba as a national threat.
When the moment arrives for Elphaba to flee, it encapsulates the high stakes she faces. She jumps from the tower, singing the stirring lyrics of "Defying Gravity" as she prepares to take flight—an emblematic action filled with hope and rebellion.
Chu masterfully expands on the song's original purpose, transforming it from merely a musical number to an emotionally charged sequence. Close-ups of the actresses highlight their complex emotions as they grapple with betrayal and working to maintain their bond against the odds. Elphaba, with her newfound resolve, learns to cultivate her own identity without the need for validation from those who once held power over her.
At this pivotal moment, the central theme of Wicked shines through: the longing for freedom, the acknowledgment of one's own strengths, and the rejection of oppressive forces. For Elphaba, this culminates within the harrowing plea to simply be understood and accepted for who she is.
The manner “Defying Gravity” is layered with complex feelings taps directly back to the broader experiences of audiences today. Just as Elphaba symbolizes the struggle against injustice and oppression, listeners—and viewers—find themselves connecting to her struggles. This resonates deeply for many marginalized groups facing societal prejudices. Many see parallels between Elphaba’s fight against intolerance to modern-day issues of race, gender, and identity.
With all of this swirling around, the end of Wicked: Part One feels more like the beginning of something monumental. The cliffhanger lingers, leaving audiences both anxious and excited for the sequel. The echoes of Elphaba’s powerful final note resonate, creating waves of emotion as viewers emerge from the theater, inspired to carry the message of hope with them.
The phenomenon we’re witnessing with the viral meme of "holding space" for these lyrics suggests something significant. It hints at the collective need to explore themes of resilience, friendship, betrayal, and identity. Fans are expressing their desire to be part of Elphaba’s and Glinda’s journeys, contrasting their challenges with their own realities.
Whether seen as just another internet meme or as part of something larger, the movement surrounding Wicked continues to gain momentum. The film is poised to shape the cultural dialogue surrounding friendship, loyalty, and the fight against oppression—just as the original musical did over two decades ago. The way social media enthusiasts interpret and share this contemporary narrative reflects how the themes resonate on both personal and social levels.
Each person who connects with Wicked finds their own reason to "hold space" for Elphaba and her captivating story. And as Erivo belted out those notes of Defying Gravity, audiences united through shared experiences, making it clear the legacy of Wicked will undoubtedly carry on.
