‘Wicker’ is a magical fairy tale with heart
With heartfelt performances, enchanting visuals and sharp social commentary, Wicker spins an unconventional fairy tale about love, loneliness and acceptance.
Sitting inside Cinema 2 of The Block, this Daily Tribune columnist was completely engrossed in Wicker. I laughed, felt all the tenderness, and experienced the envy, lust, jealousy, hope and truth woven throughout Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson’s film.
A different kind of cinematic fairy tale and biting social commentary, Wicker delivers both laughs and heartfelt moments. It is now showing in cinemas nationwide through local distributor CreaZion Studios International.
The fable follows a fisherwoman who is mocked by villagers for being single and presumed lonely. She seeks the help of a little-person basket maker with magical hands and profound wisdom, who creates the Wicker Man — a husband who shows her what true love really is.
My gosh! The film’s blend of magic, mysticism, pure love and the destructive force of jealousy felt so Filipino that it made me wonder why we have yet to bring something similar to the local big screen.
Performances elevate the fantasy
Beyond its compelling narrative — one that moves from shock and fascination to jealousy, hypocrisy and unconditional love — Wicker is elevated by the performances of Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage and Elizabeth Debicki.
Colman, as the ostracized fisherwoman, made me not only empathize with her character but also understand what was happening in her heart and mind. She made every aspect of the role authentic — from her I-don’t-care-what-you-say façade that masked her loneliness and longing, to the childlike sparkle in her eyes when she asked the basket maker to create her a husband, the unmistakable look of love when she finally found happiness, her growing insecurities and suspicions, and ultimately, her devastation after one irresponsible choice.
Despite spending much of the film beneath the Wicker Husband costume, Skarsgård delivered warmth, tenderness and genuine affection. His gentle gestures, loving gaze and the street dance that highlighted the couple’s chemistry beautifully conveyed a love so sincere that it could make Prince Florian, Prince Charming and Prince Phillip blush.
Dinklage, as the magical basket maker, brought a refreshing physicality to the fairy godfather archetype. His soliloquies were thought-provoking, carrying the wit of Shakespearean comedy and the emotional depth of tragedy. They served as insightful reflections on human frailty, desire and morality.
Debicki was magnificent as the town doctor’s daughter, embodying Carl Jung’s observation that “a particularly beautiful woman is a source of terror.” She masterfully concealed her character’s envy and malice beneath a façade of kindness and concern, reminding viewers that beauty often masks darker intentions.
With heartfelt performances, a story that seamlessly blends fairy tale and social commentary, and practical sets, effects and craftsmanship that add even more magic to its world, Wicker is a must-watch.
It is a funny, tender romantic fantasy that tugs at the heartstrings while celebrating the idea that our oddities and imperfections are what make life full of surprises.