Wicked: For Good & The Transformative Power of Relationships

Spoiler Alert: This review contains key plot details from Wicked: For Good.

I’ve now seen Wicked: For Good twice—and cried both times during the iconic “For Good” scene. That song is a masterclass in emotional depth, capturing the bittersweet reality of friendships that transform us, even when circumstances pull us apart. From a mental health standpoint, this moment resonates deeply: it reminds us that relationships can be both impermanent and profoundly impactful.

Themes That Matter

1) Friendship Under Pressure
Elphaba and Glinda’s bond is tested by political turmoil, moral dilemmas, and personal insecurities. Their journey illustrates how friendships can thrive—even in crisis—when honesty and empathy are present. This mirrors what we often discuss in therapy: navigating conflict without losing connection.

2) The Importance of Community
The film underscores how isolation amplifies distress. Elphaba’s experience as an outsider highlights the mental health risks of stigma and exclusion. Conversely, moments of solidarity—whether through shared laughter or acts of courage—show how community fosters resilience and hope.

3) Identity and Self‑Acceptance
Elphaba’s struggle to embrace her uniqueness speaks to anyone who has felt “othered.” Her arc reminds us that authenticity often comes at a cost, but it’s essential for psychological well‑being.

4) Ambiguous Loss and Grief
The ending carries a quiet grief—not just for what’s lost, but for what could have been. This is where “For Good” hits hardest: it validates that even relationships that end can leave us stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

Personal Reflection: Friendship, Loss, and Choosing Community

Watching Wicked: For Good reopened a tender chapter for me. My best friend from high school died suddenly at the young age of 26. The shock of losing someone who helped shape my early life left a fault line in my heart that I still feel when “For Good” swells. The lyrics—“Because I knew you, I have been changed for good”—capture the way our friends become anchors, mirrors, and catalysts. Grief doesn’t erase that imprint; it clarifies it.

That loss also changed how I show up for friendship as an adult. I value my friend circle now more than ever—not as a casual social accessory, but as a vital, life‑giving safety net. I invest more intentionally: answering the phone, scheduling the visit, saying “I love you,” apologizing promptly, and celebrating small wins. I’ve learned that community isn’t accidental; it’s built through consistent, vulnerable presence. In clinical terms, these practices strengthen attachment bonds and expand our window of tolerance—making it easier to weather stress, disagreement, and uncertainty together.

I also find solace in honoring her memory by living the best life. She was not given the same chance, and I value every moment now in a different way.

Why It Matters for Mental Health

• Friendship as a Protective Factor: Strong social bonds buffer against stress and trauma; they reduce loneliness and improve emotion regulation.

• Community as Healing: Belonging counters shame and stigma, and offers shared meaning in the face of loss.

• Permission to Feel: The story normalizes complex emotions—love, anger, guilt, and grief—without judgment and shows that courage and compassion can coexist.

Gentle Takeaways

• If a friendship is in crisis, name the strain and seek repair: truth plus tenderness.

• Choose community on purpose: make plans, ritualize connection, and practice gratitude.

• Let “For Good” be more than a song—make it a practice: tell your people how they’ve changed you, and how you intend to keep showing up.

Final Thoughts

Wicked: For Good isn’t just a musical—it’s a mirror reflecting our need for connection, meaning, and forgiveness. If you’ve ever navigated a friendship through crisis or wrestled with identity and belonging, this story will speak to you. And yes, if you’re like me, you might cry during “For Good”—because it’s not just a song; it’s a reminder that relationships, even imperfect ones, shape who we become and help carry us through the hardest seasons.