Wicker

Grade: B

Wicker is a Frankenstein story of sorts, and I also thought of Rocky Horror, in which Dr. Frank-N-Furter creates a gorgeous, physically fit man to suit his desires. It’s based on a short story called “The Wicker Husband” that came out in 2008, if you can trust the info on Wickerpedia. It’s a successful transition from page to screen. The vibe and charm of the typical fable is retained for the movie. If there were the occasional scene or segment that lagged, or I simply didn’t care for as much, there would always be a great one right around the corner that would win me back.

In an interesting touch, all of the characters are referred to by their professions, as opposed to government names, if they even have any. By doing so, the viewer already knows everyone’s role in contributing to the village. Olivia Colman plays Fisherwoman. She is single, and not the most popular townsperson, but any ribbing she receives is taken in good humor. At a wedding reception, when the equivalent of catching the bouquet happens to Fisherwoman instead of the younger, more conventionally attractive women in the town (though I’ve always thought Colman was lovely), she commissions Basket Weaver to make her a husband.

We don’t know how the magic works, but it ultimately doesn’t matter. It’s easy to just accept that it happens. Peter Dinklage gives us a whimsical Basket Weaver. On at least two occasions, after all other characters have exited and he’s alone, he delivers a soliloquy, like in a Shakespeare play, where he sums up and processes what just took place in the scene. You don’t see interludes like this very often, and I enjoyed them. If this was a musical, it’s where the songs would go.

Enter the Wicker Husband. As he was literally made to be Fisherwoman’s husband, he is eternally devoted to her. Always honest, calm, a handy craftsman when it comes to sprucing up the home, and a lover who never gets tired in the bedroom. There’s a great sound effect of the wicker expanding on their wedding night. While it’s not a difficult role to play from a vocal acting standpoint, the makeup and cumbersome costume must have put Alexander Skarsgård to work. I wondered about the logistics of the lovemaking, given the material he’s made out of. We have to assume that a certain part was sanded off and made smooth.

When the scuttlebutt circulates among the locals about Fisherwoman’s new “toy,” I clocked parallels to modern times. There are many apps for digital friends/companions, and some people even regularly talk to ChatGPT as a friend or therapist. Some protest with “but he’s not a real man.” Others are jealous, particularly the wives who live close enough to overhear their raucous activity in the bedroom. Ultimately, the question is whether a relationship is defined by what someone is made of or by what they bring to your life. Maybe the Wicker Husband is a keeper after all. If there’s ever a sequel, I’ll be there for Wicker: For Good.

Grade: B