WICKER Review: The Most Human Man In Town Isn’t Human

Introduction

I recently reviewed the first two episodes of Mike Flanagan’s new production of Carrie. One of the central themes of Carrie is the cruelty directed toward those considered different, particularly when they dare to find happiness. Why does society seem to believe that happiness should be reserved for certain people based on their appearance or how well they conform to societal expectations? In Wicker, this subject is once again explored, and we as a society are found wanting.

It’s not unusual in 2026 to ask ourselves whether we’ve gone too far in how we treat those who are different. Every day, I see, read, or hear about people perpetrating acts of cruelty as though being mean to someone is acceptable. When I was a kid, I was the proverbial 98-pound weakling and was bullied relentlessly. For years, I received little assistance from anyone, until one day I finally had enough and got into a fight. Ironically, Brian De Palma’s Carrie was released in 1976, the very year I experienced that bullying. So, I suppose I’m particularly sensitive to the subject.

Did I enjoy Wicker? Does it adequately address issues that we continue to struggle with today? Perhaps more importantly, what does the film say about a society that seems determined to punish those who simply want to be happy? Well, let’s just say right out that I loved Wicker. At its heart, this film isn’t about societal bullying, but rather the answer to bullying, which is love. Based on Ursula Wills-Jones’s short story The Wicker Husband, Wicker, written and directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, is a standout of the late-year movie season. It’s a positive, heartfelt tale about the cruelty society inflicts upon those considered castoffs.

Synopsis

In the film, we follow the local Fishmonger, amazingly played by Olivia Colman. The medieval village she inhabits is populated by a collection of the people you would expect to find in a town of that period. There is no real indication of when the story takes place, other than long ago. We are also introduced to our narrator and the chief architect of the story, the Basketmaker, played to perfection by Peter Dinklage. The other major character we meet early in the film is the Tailor’s Wife, played loathsome by the lovely Elizabeth Debicki.

The Tailor’s Wife is the prominent woman of the village, looked up to and respected by the other women. Of course, she looks down upon the likes of the smelly Fishmonger. Interestingly, all the characters in the film are referred to by their occupations or their relationships to those occupations rather than by actual names. I like this idea. It levels the playing field and helps establish the story as something resembling a Brothers Grimm fairy tale.

After a particularly cruel experience at a wedding, the deeply saddened Fishmonger visits the Basketmaker and asks him to make her a husband. There is never any question as to whether he can accomplish such a thing. It is simply assumed that he can. A short time later, we follow a new arrival through the village as he collects a few basic items before meeting his future bride, the Fishmonger.

Discussion

Alexander Skarsgård plays the Wicker Husband, and he is wonderful in the role. His performance is doubly impressive because he is completely covered in an elaborate practical costume and makeup. Other than his eyes, there is virtually nothing of Skarsgård’s face to be seen. His performance relies almost entirely on the delivery of his words, his physical movements, and the expression in his eyes. And you can see that this man genuinely loves the Fishmonger. He is willing to do anything for her, and nothing nefarious, by the way, as you might initially imagine.

Now, if we were to end the story here, we would have a lovely, redemptive love story, but that wouldn’t necessarily make for a very entertaining film. Unfortunately, cruelty has a way of intruding upon happiness. Mean and generally terrible things occur, and their relationship is put to the test. You’ll have to see the film to discover how everything is resolved. I am certainly not going to spoil that experience for you.

I also loved the practical makeup and effects used throughout Wicker. Fischer and Wilson wisely avoid relying heavily on CGI, and the result is a film that feels wonderfully tangible. I suspect some digital effects were necessary to make the Wicker Husband appear hollow in places, but otherwise, the character appears to be a remarkable achievement in practical effects. There is another major effect in the film that I believe was also accomplished practically, and it is absolutely amazing. Again, I am not going to spoil the experience by revealing what it is.

Further Analysis

I loved the writing in Wicker. The story is set up wonderfully, and the pacing is just right. I particularly enjoyed the matter-of-fact way the village simply accepts the existence of the Wicker Husband. Nobody seems particularly concerned that a man made of woven branches is walking around town. He simply exists, and everyone accepts that fact. There is something wonderfully charming about that approach to storytelling.

One sequence that particularly stood out to me takes place in the local tavern between the Wicker Husband and the village’s men. It is smartly written and wonderfully executed. The scene does an excellent job of illustrating how men, regardless of age, often struggle when asked to confront their emotions. It is certainly a little exaggerated, but there is a great deal of truth in the awkwardness of men attempting to discuss their feelings. I found the entire sequence both funny and surprisingly insightful.

Another aspect of the story I appreciated is that it does not offer a neat, satisfying resolution to the cruelty that takes place. The village continues as it always has. The Tailor’s Wife remains unhappy with her life, although why she chooses to remain so is beyond my understanding. There is no grand reckoning for the people responsible for the suffering of others. Life simply goes on. I think that is an important part of what makes the story work. Not everyone learns a lesson, and not everyone changes for the better. Unfortunately, that is often how life works.

Conclusion

I found the casting of Colman and Debicki to be ideal for this story and would not be surprised to see Olivia Colman receive some award nominations for her performance. Both Peter Dinklage and Alexander Skarsgård deserve recognition as well. The entire cast and crew have done a wonderful job bringing this unusual little tale to life.

If you are looking for a date night movie that also makes you stop and think about how we treat others, and perhaps how we might learn to love one another and hope that everyone finds some happiness in their lives, then this sweet little allegorical tale is for you. You may leave the theater thinking that perhaps we can all learn to be a little nicer to one another again. In a world that seems increasingly comfortable with cruelty, that is not such a bad message to take home. To quote a Beatles tune, “All you need is love.” Wicker is a lovely film. Go enjoy it with someone you love.

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