“Wicker,” adapted from Ursula Wills’ acclaimed short story, arrives in theaters as a daring adult fairy tale that mixes comedy, romance and a touch of folk‑horror. The film follows an ostracized fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) who, fed up with village scorn, hires the local basket weaver (Peter Dinklage) to craft a perfect husband made of wicker.
Plot and Characters
The fisherwoman’s new partner, played by Alexander Skarsgård, is a literal creation designed to please her. He quickly proves to be the ideal spouse—handy, kind and devoted—contrasting sharply with the village’s other men. As the couple’s happiness grows, jealous village wives, including the tailors’ wife (Elizabeth Debicki), stir up resentment, leading to a dramatic upheaval in the close‑knit community.
Colman delivers a brash, unapologetic performance, embodying a fisherwoman who refuses to be shamed for her status. Dinklage’s basket weaver is both cynical and entrepreneurial, willing to profit from the fisherwoman’s request while sharing her disdain for the townsfolk. Skarsgård’s wicker husband, reminiscent of classic rugged heroes, not only pleases his wife but also repairs her cabin, tends a garden and becomes the antithesis of the village’s usual male figures.
Style and Production
Visually, the film evokes the whimsical melancholy of Tim Burton’s “Edward Scissorhands,” with a small, insular village populated by shallow, often unlikable characters. The practical effects from Wētā Workshop are a highlight: Skarsgård’s transformation required a hand‑crafted suit of 50 interlocking pieces made from muka, a fiber derived from New Zealand flax. Applying the suit took an hour and a half, showcasing the dedication of effects artists Joe Dunckley and Sarah Rubano.
Despite its musical‑like trappings, “Wicker” remains firmly a non‑musical narrative, avoiding full‑blown song numbers while still hinting at a theatrical rhythm. The film balances bawdy humor with heartfelt moments, delivering both laughs and genuine emotional beats.
Final Thoughts
Overall, “Wicker” is a bold, adult‑oriented fable that entertains with its humor, sensuality and surprising twists. Skarsgård’s gentle performance and Colman’s sharp wit carry the story, while Debicki’s villainous tailor’s wife adds a satisfying counterpoint. Fans of quirky fantasy and mature romance will find much to enjoy, and the folk‑horror finale hints at possibilities for future sequels.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
