Warning: Spoilers Ahead!!
“Wicker” (2026), directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, is a romantasy comedy-drama and adult folk fable film, where an excluded and hardworking Fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) commissions a husband — made of wicker — from the local Basket Weaver (Peter Dinklage).
I went to see “Wicker” (2026) the Tuesday after it came out, with my best friend, and it was one of the best movies I have seen in a while. The film was more than just a sex movie like it was advertised. I think the trailers purposely advertised “Wicker” (2026) as just a romance movie so that more people would go and see the film. If you get the chance to see it, you will see that “Wicker” (2026) is about an older woman finally finding someone that truly cherishes, loves, and respects her after being mistreated by the small-minded villagers for the majority of her life there.
Additionally, the actual footage of the film is beautiful. My favorite shot is where the Fisherwoman is going to the Basket Weaver’s house. At first it is an establishing shot while she is walking up a hill. Then the camera slowly begins to zoom in on the Fisherwoman as she continues to climb the hill. The scene shifts to the Fisherwoman in a woven small bowl-like boat, rowing towards her destination. There isn’t any dialogue in these scenes until she gets to the Basket Weaver and asks him to make her a husband.
Another scene that I really liked is when the Fisherwoman and the Wicker Husband (Alexander Skarsgård) get married. It is a direct juxtaposition to an earlier scene where the Tailor’s Wife’s Sister (Marli Siu) is marrying the Bottlewasher (Gustav Lindh). During their wedding, the Bottlewasher puts an actual matrimonial collar around the Tailor’s Wife’s Sister’s neck. While with the Fisherwoman and Wicker Husband, when the collar is presented, she tells the priest that they are not doing that.
The collar is a symbol of ownership and obedience between man and his wife. The Fisherwoman refuses to be owned by the Wicker Husband. Furthermore, it seems as if the roles reverse between the Fisherwoman and Wicker Husband. Instead, the Wicker Husband takes care of the home, while the Fisherwoman goes out and works. The film is a great commentary about the roles women and men play in society.
Not only does the film make commentary about gender roles, it also makes commentary on marriage. The women of the village are meant to be completely subservient to their husbands, who are unattentive and unhelpful. However, when the Wicker Husband shows up, some things in the village begin to change between the husbands and wives. Most are determined to stay stuck in their ways, while one character tries to make a change.
Moreover, the best part of the movie is that the Fisherwoman gets a happy ending. I was expecting for the film to end in tragedy and I was happily surprised when she got to live happily ever after with her Wicker Husband.
Furthermore, the acting from all the actors was fundamental. Everyone did a really great job portraying their character’s feelings and actions. Olivia Colman made me feel incredible empathy for the Fisherwoman, while Elizabeth Debicki, who played the Tailor’s Wife, really made me dislike her character and her actions. Although, there was some empathy for the Tailor’s Wife as the film gets closer to the ending.
Overall, I completely enjoyed the film and will probably see it again. Additionally, I would give it a 5 out of 5. The film is a great way to escape from the realities of life. If you are looking for a film that has raunchy comedy, heartwarming romance, and sharp social commentary, then “Wicker” (2026) is for you.
Edited and Reviewed by Kien Powell
