'Wicker' Review: A Wonderfully Quirky And Heartfelt Fable
Wicker sets its sights on being the next romantic phenomenon as it finally hits the big screen. this offbeat romance story makes great use of its novel premise and two talented leads.
‘Wicker’, which is adapted from author Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story ‘The Wicker Husband’, centers on a The Fisherwoman (Olivia Colman), a lonely, but resourceful woman who enlists the services of The Basketweaver (Peter Dinklage) to make her a husband so she can silence those in her community who have managed to ostracize and belittle her for her social status. The basketmaker crafts The Wicker Husband (Alexander Skarsgård), a man entirely made out of wicker who she marries and begins a lurid, controversial love affair with that startles their reserved and tranquil village.
Directors Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson have thankfully chosen the perfect pair to carry this quirky tale with ease and nuance. Colman and Skarsgård make for a match made in wicker here, showcasing an easygoing, natural chemistry that makes them an exceedingly entertaining and charming duo to watch on screen, especially as they begin to navigate their peculiar relationship and slowly fall madly in love with one another. Colman is as magnetic as ever, imbuing The Fisherwoman with plenty of pathos and prickly charm, her effortless likability and gravitas oozing out of every frame and verbal barb. She especially shines as The Fisherwoman attempts to reconcile the peaks and valleys of her first true romance, the fiery passion, jealousy, tenderness and emotional dependency that comes along with it that she’s clearly not accustomed to.
Skarsgård is equally as impressive here, able to emote wonderfully under the truly incredible makeup work that manages to make this unique concept feel tactile and fully realized. The little nuances, ticks and physicality he’s able to bring to the role works wonders for the character as he’s able to convey an endearing naivety, warmth and tenderness that makes him easy to become emotionally invested in, delivering plenty of laughs and earned heartfelt moments that make him far more than just a gimmick. Colman and Skarsgård bring out the best in one another as they sell and earn every step in their central relationship, their dynamic never feeling awkward, stiff or emotionally vacant. In other actors’ hands, this romance could’ve easily fallen flat or worse become more of a joke than a three-dimensional romance, but this duo manages to avoid that issue with dextrous skill.
The film also does a highly effective and deeply entertaining job showing how The Fisherwoman and The Wicker Husband’s relationship has had a palpable effect on their village, especially the local wives and mothers. However, none are more affected than The Tailor’s Wife (Elizabeth Debicki), who comes across as the village’s unofficial ringleader and voice of reason. Debicki shines substantially here, allowing the character to feel far more than simply a two-dimensional villain the audience is meant to loathe with fiery fervor. Not only is she given plenty meat to chew on the page, but she’s able to effectively give the character fascinating shades and layers that help make her feel well-rounded and emotionally compelling as she begins to become increasingly more combative with The Fisherwoman as her whirlwind romance continues to negatively impact the social equilibrium. Dinklage is also delivering lively and engaging work here as The Basketweaver, relishing every line of dialogue with fiendish delight as his creations begin to cause a stir and his role becomes more prominent.
However, it’s the balance of tone that allows this fable to shine, towing the line between quirky comedy and heartfelt romance deftly with thoughtful precision. The film wisely leans into its inherently silly premise, never poking fun at it or feeling remotely ashamed of it. The humor never feels stale or overabundant, utilized well throughout without ever short-changing more emotionally charged scenes or moments. The central romance is also given the proper time to breathe and develop, allowing the needed emotional exploration of both The Wicker Husband and The Fisherwoman the space it needs to have the impact it should. Both of these characters are coming to terms with their first romance, both learning to become more human as a result in their own unique respective ways. The combination of their individual and collective journeys together give the film the heart and soul it wears so earnestly. It also doesn’t hurt that the cinematography from DP Lol Crawley is luscious and wholly enveloping, giving this fable the visual aesthetic and atmosphere that pulls the viewer in right away.
The only area where the film runs into trouble is in its narrative structure, which unfortunately makes it a little to predictable for its own good. Despite the film’s alluring premise, the beats these characters and the story itself it feel familiar and a bit too conventional at times, rarely heading into uncharted narrative waters that would be more befitting of this tale. There are moments where the film aims to explore some intriguing and unexpected material, but it never quite jumps into the deep end, hampered by a hesitation that holds it back considerably.
‘Wicker’ is a delightfully refreshing entry into the romance genre, delivering plenty of laughs and heart in equal measure as it weaves a singular and engrossing tale of love and evolution. Skarsgård and Colman’s sizzling chemistry coupled with the confident, assured direction from Fischer and Wilson help make this fable memorable and emotionally satisfying. Audiences will come for the steamy passion, but will stay for the tender and charming romance at its center.