It is a week for the bizarre. We have I Love Boosters out at the same time as Wicker, another film that defines description. This British comedy is as strange as it gets and could be described as a mature equivalent of Pinocchio. Filled with top names, it goes back to those days when bawdy humour was the rave, and it certainly doesn’t hold back. At the same time, it’s not fully successful; you have to applaud the effort and be amazed at the make-up work produced by WETA to create a fully-functional Wicker Man, but not like the one they used to imprison Edward Woodward in the 1973 classic horror.
A small village where the folks are known by the trades they offer. The local Fisherwoman is often ostracised for being smelly and a spinster, at a time when marriage is important to keeping the community working. After she is singled out to be wed next, instead of accepting the first proposal, she turns to the local Basketmaker and asks him to make her a husband. He does, and this brings controversy to the village, especially when this creation loves the Fisherwoman fully, making her happy in any way he can, which brings jealousy among the women and anger among the men.
Yes, this is a love story between a woman who fishes in the muddy waters and a man made out of wicker. Directors Alex Hudson Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, who also co-wrote the script, have taken a short story entitled The Wicker Husband, and in the tradition of most folk stories, created a world that is as far removed from modern times, and yet added themes that we can all relate to, from that of pure love, jealousy and the different thoughts of what men and women want. The men are definitely living in a world of misogyny, whereas the women demand more than just the demands of their husbands. The film starts with a wedding where the man places a metal collar around the neck of their spouse. This neckwear is slowly being removed once the Wicker Man arrives.
The humour is incredibly broad and often rude, and refuses to be subtle. This is not a Carry On movie, with innuendo and winks at the camera, but as pointed as it can possibly be. Suppose you find this kind of humour a little too shocking, then best to stay away. Otherwise, in a time when you have to be careful what you say, this doesn’t seem to care and goes all out to shock, so kudos to the writers for refusing to hold back.
What works incredibly well is the Wicker Man’s unbelievable makeup and suit. You genuinely think you are watching a man made out of wicker. The detail is mind-blowing, with intricate weaving and a brilliant soundscape that, whenever he moves, makes it sound like each branch is being stretched to the point of snapping. While the facial expressions stay in one state, you still feel the character’s emotion.
It’s fine to have a funny script, but you need the performers to deliver the lines with aplomb, and the cast is stacked with British comic talents that know how to throw out a line with perfect timing. In the leads, Peter Dinklage brings his usual magical performance as the Basketmaker, while Elizabeth Debicki adds an air of superiority as the Tailor’s Wife. Richard E. Grant also delivers a scene-stealing cameo as the Doctor, who is more interested in his meal than his patient.
As the Wicker Man, Alexander Skarsgard is terrific. A gentle, loving husband under all that make-up, he brings the character to life, and even though he is limited in his emotional range, he still makes you care. The star turn, once again, is Olivia Colman as the Fisherwoman. She is at her best when playing kooky, off-beat characters, and here she is having the time of her life. After the disappointment of The Roses, it’s great to see her letting go and enjoying every moment of it.
Wicker is a hoot. It’s so weird that it might be hard for people to accept it, but if you love a folk tale and you like your humour as rude as possible, then you are in for a treat. You won’t be able to look at a wicker basket in the same way.
4 out of 5
Directors: Alex Hudson Fischer and Eleanor Wilson
Starring: Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgard, Elizabeth Debicki, Peter Dinklage, Richard E. Grant, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Ben Ashenden, Ella Bruccoleri, Emily Lloyd-Saini, Phil Daniels
Written by: Alex Hudson Fischer, Eleanor Wilson and (based on the short story ‘The Wicker Husband’) Ursula Wills
Running Time: 105 mins
Cert: 15
Release date: 30th October 2026
