Wicker

Directors: Alex Huston Fischer
& Eleanor Wilson

The Fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) has made her own way in the world, single and making her living catching and selling fish. But in a village where women “know their place” and marriage is the goal, she is an outsider. Happy with her choices but worn down by judgement, she asks the Basket Weaver (Peter Dinklage) to make her a husband. Her Wicker husband (Alexander Skarsgård) causes quite the stir, with his attentiveness and desire to make her happy. But jealousy among the villagers grows, and some would like to see her happiness broken. Will the couple inspire the village to be better, or will the villagers ruin what they have?

Based on an Ursula Wills-Jones fable, Wicker is an odd little film. It feels very Yorgos Lanthimos, with its quirky characters, bold score and beautifully shot settings. It’s also a film with sadness, comedy and a sweet, light touch.

As with any fable, it has a point, and this one has several: love and marriage, attitudes to women, jealousy, trust and appreciating what you have.

The core performers are great, with Olivia Colman, Peter Dinklage and Alexander Skarsgård. Colman brings humour and heart like nobody else and is always flawless. Dinklage has fun with his wise and magical Basket Weaver, while Skarsgård delivers plenty of heart through his fabulous wicker costume. They are well supported by Elizabeth Debicki’s Tailor’s Wife, a gossip and ringleader who shows the village at its best and worst. It’s a big cast, with a line of British stars including Ella Bruccoleri, Marli Siu, Nabhaan Rizwan and Phil Daniels, and a cameo from Richard E. Grant.

Even so, it was just okay. There’s nothing wrong with it and nothing I disliked, but it didn’t engage me the way I wanted, and I never felt fully swept along. There’s a lot to enjoy, though, and I don’t think it will get on anyone’s wick!