WICKER is the buzz of the 2026 fall season, mainly thanks to the promotions team and how they are riding that wicker wave. Though the trailer and marketing have focused on some of the more titillating parts of this story, I was pleasantly surprised by the heart and soul that is found here.
SYNOPSIS: An ostracized fisherwoman commissions the local basketmaker to weave her a husband, but when her wicker creation proves unexpectedly extraordinary, his presence ignites jealousy and upheaval that threatens their quiet village. | 1h 45m | Rated R for sexual content, language and brief full nudity.
Inspired by the Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story “The Wicker Husband”, this is a whimsical tale of love, acceptance, and how nothing flares up envy quite like someone else’s happiness. In the small village where fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) lives several couples have been given in marriage or soon to be wed. She longs for a companion but not for all the drama that comes with a mate. It is tough to be alone when everyone seems to have someone. Due to her profession and appearance she is ostracized and often made fun of.
A basketmaker (Peter Dinklage) who seems to be able to craft the most stunning and magical works of art might be her solution. The fisherwoman hires this basketmaker to simply make her a husband. What she gets is not only a wonderful helpmate but the chance to feel unconditional love for the first time.
The characters in this film all add to the fantasy of the story. No one has a name but instead are referred to by their profession, a certain trait, or who they are married to. It is a fairy tale for adults and you almost expect them to break out in song at any moment. Fear not, they do not. The village has all sort of quirks and traditions when it comes to marriage. So when the Wicker Husband shows up they all start to re-examine their own relationships.
Olivia Colman was a spot on choice for this role. Her ability to embrace the lowliness of the character while at the same time giving it a hard shell is vital to the success of the story. Fisherwoman is obviously affected by the words of the villagers but she will never let them see it. Colman is also able to be vulnerable to her husband and watching her soften and open up to him is a special part of the film.
All of the towns people also embrace their role. It is a comical and at times naughty place to live. The dialogue is quite racy as they talk openly about sex and marriage. But it never feels forced or gratuitous. Again it is an adult fairy tale where not everything is songbirds and glass slippers.
This story would not exist without the wicker man who would not exist without the basketmaker. I have yet to see Peter Dinklage in a role that he did not completely dominate. Here he is part narrator and wizard. As we watch him ponder the idea of creation, and how that creation can cause other people to react we are drawn to his character completely.
Jealousy, envy, and covetousness abound with the people of this town. Their pettiness is shown is great contrast to the simple love and admiration that Wicker and Fisherwoman have. How could even a man formed of wicker love a woman like her? There has to be a catch. Even the husbands are frustrated at how his devotion to his wife makes them seem like submar spouses.
Who is inside all that wicker? No CGI or motion capture in this tale; thank god. Alexander Skarsgård had the laborious task of living and moving inside of that heavy burdensome costume. [from imdb] – Skarsgård has talked about how physically demanding the wicker suit was, particularly under hot studio lighting. The stiffness of the costume actually became part of how he approached the character.
There is a beauty to the story the reaches far beyond the bed breaking moments focused on in many of the trailers. Yes, their relationship is quite physical with hard driven passion, but that is not the foundation it is built on. It is one of love, commitment, and respect. This man made of wicker can’t understand why the others fight and argue and complain about their own marriages and he does his best to give them advice.
As the story unfolds – no spoilers here – we see how the ugliness of the world and other people can infiltrate and pollute even the most beautiful of places. It is a reminder that it is ok to trust and love. That the words and opinions of others never define who we really are.
It will be interesting how critics and audiences receive this film. I for one loved it for what I didn’t expect. If you go in looking for some sort of 50 Shades of Wicker you will be disappointed. If you want a classic tale that turns the prince and princess, beauty and the beast, story of love and compassion on its head you will take joy from this one.
About The Author
