Unveiling Power Relations: A Comparative Analysis of Individual and Group Influence in Wish (2023) Movie

Authors

  • Gabriella Victoria Sabatini Theresia Harahap MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Grita Meiske Hasianna Simbolon MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Jordan Agave McKenzie Pasaribu Habeahan MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Putra Pratama Immanuel Brasco MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Varen Raist MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Keywords:

Wish (2023), power dynamics, individual power, collective power, authority, resistance

Abstract

This study analyzes the representation of individual and collective power in Wish (2023) through qualitative thematic analysis, drawing on Thomas Hobbes’ theory of individual power and Michel Foucault’s concept of relational power. The findings reveal that: 1) the protagonist’s pursuit of autonomy reflects Hobbes’ notion of individual power; 2) the interconnection of magic and authority illustrates Foucault’s link between knowledge and power; and 3) the narrative highlights resistance to domination at both personal and societal levels. The film demonstrates how cinematic texts critique power structures, offering insights into authority, resistance, and collective agency in contemporary contexts.

References

Adryan Allen, G. W., Melvia, C., Hans, J., Chua, J., & Nadiaintanceria. (2021). Representation of Hobbesian theory in the film series Squid Game in the view of Generation Z. Jurnal Kewarganegaraan, 5(2). https://journal.upy.ac.id/index.php/pkn/article/view/1955

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Foucault, M. (1978). The history of sexuality, volume 1: An introduction (R. Hurley, Trans.). Pantheon Books. (Original work published 1976)

Foucault, M. (1980). Power/knowledge: Selected interviews and other writings, 1972–1977 (C. Gordon, Ed.). Pantheon Books.

Foucault, M. (1997). Discipline and punish: The birth of the prison (A. Sheridan, Trans.). Vintage Books. (Original work published 1975)

Gutting, G. (2005). Foucault: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.

Hobbes, T. (1651/1996). Leviathan (R. Tuck, Ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978)

Internet Movie Database. (n.d.). Wish (2023). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11304740

Cover

Downloads

Published

2025-08-31

How to Cite

Harahap, G. V. S. T., Simbolon, G. M. H., Pasaribu Habeahan, J. A. M., Brasco, P. P. I., & Varen Raist. (2025). Unveiling Power Relations: A Comparative Analysis of Individual and Group Influence in Wish (2023) Movie. Boanerges: Makarios Education Journal, 3(1), 80–89. Retrieved from https://streamfly.tech/index.php/boanerges/article/view/42

Issue

Section

Table of Contents

Most read articles by the same author(s)