Fables are always about much more than they appear to be. Whether it’s a hidden morality of being truthful, or message about being wary of strangers, or simply reflecting societal norms and cultural mores, these deceptively simple tales entertain but also explore deeper issues through their narrative. “Wicker”—the new movie from writers/directors Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson and based on the story by Ursula Wills—fits nicely in that grand tradition of fantastical stories that transcend their straightforward nature to be about something much larger. The film does so without feeling didactic or like a morality slog, instead it’s an incredibly entertaining and frequently funny time at the theater powered by strong writing, excellent performances, and some stellar makeup f/x. “Wicker” is wickedly charming in all the best ways. It never quite attains greatness but still delights viewers with its fantastical approach to true humanity.
In a simple village during agrarian times, the type of place where everyone is known by their roles in the town and not by name, a Fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) finds herself often mocked after a lifetime of loneliness. Others are getting married and carrying on in the grand traditions of the village while she recoils still from a tough life spent mostly solo. Finally, after one too many barbs from the Tailor’s Wife (Elizabeth Debicki), she charges the Basketmaker (Peter Dinklage) with making her a husband. When he delivers his wicker creation (Alexander Skarsgård), her life takes on a whole new meaning while the rest of the town changes and bristles with this new type of relationship.
“Wicker” is tremendously fun while exploring the intricacies of couplehood, in all its glory and problems. Colman is equal parts comical and tragic in her leading role, delivering fresh barbs and reactions to all the townspeople while also clearly nursing her own wounds and insecurities. Even though it seems like paradise, that mirth and weight carries over into her relationship with her wicker husband, causing its own issues as people are wont to do. Meanwhile, Skarsgård is disarming as the guileless creation who is simply devoted to his Fisherwoman and doesn’t understand the minefields of the human heart. Debicki meanwhile leads the supporting cast of villagers who are each given time to shine in funny yet human ways. Yes, they are bumbling provincial types, but they also still yearn and dream as all folks do. It’s a brilliant bit of filmmaking that deftly makes each character quickly identifiable but never to the point of obnoxious caricature. Well, maybe the horrible Doctor played by Richard E. Grant falls into that latter category—but it’s still a lot of fun!
Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson’s movie is also gorgeous to look at thanks to the pastoral beauty of the setting and the decadent shots by cinematographer Lol Crawley. That amazing visual splendor is even further powered by the truly incredible makeup work by Wētā Workshop—led by prosthetic makeup designer Joe Dunckley and lead makeup and hair designer Sarah Rubano—who deliver something special with the wicker f/x on Skarsgård (and some other figures throughout the narrative). The beatific imagery and playful script make “Wicker” feel like an ancient yet familiar tale that could have easily been featured on “Jim Henson’s The Storyteller” or Shelly Duvall’s “Faerie Tale Theater”—instead of born from Ursula Wills’ 2008 short story. The filmmakers capture that elusive vibe of something out of time yet pressingly modern that contains fantastical whimsy, relatable heartbreak, and pointed commentary.
“Wicker” is never truly hilarious, nor does it ever really transcend its set-up in a way that leads to greatness. But it is wildly entertaining and it’s not hard to picture it becoming the comfort film for many people or some sort of late-blooming cult favorite over the years. It’s a bit odd, but not so weird that it’s off-putting, all while wrapped in familiar tropes of fables and the usual messes that humans make. This beautifully rendered tale will delight people for years to come with its potent mix of comedy, fantasy, and (surprisingly enough) emotional realism. Even if it doesn’t achieve cinematic heights, “Wicker” is certainly worth watching by proving having its heart in the right place can carry a film very far.
3.5 / 5 Star
Directed by: Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson
Starring: Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage, Elizabeth Debicki, Marli Siu, Gustav Lindh, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Ben Ashendon, Ella Bruccoleri, Emily Lloyd-Saini, Phil Daniels
