At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, *Wicker* emerges as a compelling yet uneven fable, featuring Olivia Colman as a fisherwoman who forges an unconventional romance with a husband made entirely of wicker. While the film boasts a visually striking premise and showcases Colman’s usual brilliance, it ultimately struggles to deliver a cohesive narrative.
A Whimsical Premise
In a festival marked by bizarre and audacious storytelling, *Wicker* certainly stands out. The storyline revolves around a smelly spinster, portrayed by Colman, who, weary of the unrelenting jabs about her single status, decides to commission a husband crafted from wicker. The film, directed by the creative duo Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, aspires to tackle deeper societal issues, including the patriarchal constraints of marriage and the backlash faced by those who defy conventional norms. However, despite its ambition, the film often falters, offering a disjointed mix of crude humour, dark fantasy, and an improbable love story.
Colman’s Fisherwoman: A Complex Character
Colman’s performance as the Fisherwoman is nothing short of engaging. Known for her ability to navigate the spectrum of human emotion, she embodies a character who remains unfazed by the harsh judgments of her village. When faced with the ridicule of yet another dreadful wedding, she takes a bold step by ordering her own husband from a local basket-maker, played by Peter Dinklage. Her decision sparks a series of events that challenge the status quo of her male-dominated community, eliciting both envy and horror among the women, led by Elizabeth Debicki’s compelling queen bee.
The film builds a fascinating world where gender roles are starkly defined—men are identified by their professions, while women are merely extensions of their husbands. This societal structure is disrupted by the Fisherwoman’s refusal to conform, positioning her as a potent symbol of defiance. Yet, while the narrative raises intriguing questions about identity and relationship dynamics, it frequently veers into the absurd without providing the necessary emotional depth.
The Relationship Dynamics
The introduction of the wicker husband, played by Alexander Skarsgård, raises a plethora of questions. What does he truly understand about love and companionship? What are the implications of his existence for the Fisherwoman? The early interactions between the couple are marked by slapstick sexual encounters, overshadowing the potential for meaningful exploration of their relationship.
While the film attempts to explore the Fisherwoman’s emotional struggles—most notably in a poignant scene where she confronts the challenges of sharing her previously solitary life—the connection between her and her wicker partner remains superficially developed. When conflict arises, it feels melodramatic rather than meaningful, leaving audiences detached from the unfolding drama. One can’t help but draw comparisons to the more nuanced romance in *The Shape of Water*, where the emotional stakes were far more compelling.
Colman’s Commitment and the Film’s Limitations
Colman, a celebrated actress with a varied career, invests herself fully in the role of the Fisherwoman. However, the script fails to provide her character with the depth she deserves, often relegating her to the background of the film’s chaotic narrative. The dichotomy of broad comedy and heartfelt drama proves challenging for the film to balance, resulting in a production that appears polished on the surface but lacks substance beneath.
Despite its shortcomings, *Wicker* offers a visually arresting experience, with impressive effects that bring the wicker husband to life. Yet, like the character he embodies, the film leaves viewers wanting more than what is presented.
Why it Matters
*Wicker* holds a mirror to societal expectations, highlighting the struggles of those who dare to break free from traditional norms. While its execution may be flawed, the film invites reflection on the complexities of identity and love in a world often constrained by rigid structures. In a cinematic landscape that frequently shies away from unconventional narratives, *Wicker* dares to explore the absurd, even if it doesn’t fully succeed in creating a heartfelt connection. As such, it serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity in storytelling, urging creators to delve deeper into the human experience.
