Wicker film releases

The theatrical release of Wicker brings a new entry to the fantasy-comedy genre, featuring a cast that includes Olivia Coleman, Peter Dinklage, and Elizabeth Debicki. The film is set in an unspecified English village, likely during the 17th Century, and centers on a community where characters are identified by their trades rather than personal names.

The narrative begins after the wedding of the Bottle Washer and the Tailor’s Wife’s Sister. A village ritual designates the Fisherwoman, played by Coleman, as the next eligible woman for marriage. Isolated and mocked by her peers, she seeks a solution from the Basket Maker, portrayed by Dinklage. He agrees to construct a human figure woven in the style of a basket.

The Fisherwoman meets the completed figure at the local church the following month. The Wicker Husband proves to be a diligent partner, performing heavy labor such as roof repairs and tilling the soil. His attentive nature draws the attention of other villagers, including men who feel their own treatment of spouses is lacking in comparison.

Tensions rise when the Tailor’s Wife, played by Debicki, plants doubts about the Wicker Husband’s fidelity. Meanwhile, the Bottle Washer attempts to mimic the new spouse by repairing his own roof. He falls through the structure and is seriously injured. The Doctor, played by Richard E. Grant, treats him, but the Bottle Washer dies, leaving his wife grieving.

The Wicker Husband comforts the widow at the funeral, which triggers jealousy in the Fisherwoman. Later, the Basket Maker creates a wicker infant for the widow. The appearance of the child convinces the Tailor’s Wife that the Wicker Husband is unfaithful. The Fisherwoman accepts this view and throws a burning lamp at him, sending him fleeing into the woods.

The Wicker Husband recovers from his burns, and the Basket Maker arranges a reconciliation. The Fisherwoman finds the wicker baby in the woods, and the couple adopts the child. The film concludes with the Basket Maker announcing his retirement and proposing to create a Wicker Woman for the person who gives him the best farewell gift.

John O’Neill, a weekly critic for The Oakland Press, reviewed the film. He noted that the cinematography is a strong asset but stated that the storyline is ridiculous. He described the movie as a late Medieval Star Trek and advised viewers to see it at their own risk.