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introduction
I recently reviewed the first two episodes of Mike Flanagan’s new work. carry. one of the central themes of carry Cruelty towards those perceived to be different, especially when they dare to seek happiness. Why does society seem to believe that certain people’s happiness should be guaranteed based on their appearance or how well they fit societal expectations? in ringThis topic is once again explored and we as a society are shown to be falling short.
In 2026, it will not be uncommon to ask ourselves whether the way we treat different people is too extreme. Every day I see, read and hear about people committing cruel acts, as if it’s acceptable to be mean to someone. As a child, I was the proverbial 98-pound weakling and was constantly bullied. For years I received very little help from anyone, but one day I finally got enough help to fight. Ironically, Brian De Palma’s carry I was released in 1976, the same year I was harassed. I think that’s why I’m particularly sensitive to that topic.
Did I enjoy it? ring? Are we adequately addressing the problems we continue to struggle with today? Perhaps more importantly, what does the film say about a society that seems determined to punish people who simply want to be happy? Well, let me say right away that I loved it. ring. Essentially, the film is not about social bullying, but rather the answer to bullying: love. Written and directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, based on the short story The Wicker Husband by Ursula Wills-Jones, The Wicker is a standout of the holiday movie season. It’s a positive and heartfelt story about the cruelty society inflicts on outcasts.
outline
In the film we follow a local fishmonger, played by Olivia Colman. The medieval village where she lives is populated by people typical of villages of that era. There is no real indication of when the story takes place other than a long time ago. We are also introduced to the Basketmaker, the narrator and chief architect of the story, played perfectly by Peter Dinklage. Another major character we meet early in the film is the tailor’s wife, disgustingly played by the lovely Elizabeth Debicki.
The tailor’s wife is a prominent woman in the village, respected and respected by the other women. Of course she ignores people like the smelly fishmonger. Interestingly, all of the characters in the film are referred to by their occupation or relationship to their profession rather than by their actual names. I like this idea. This helps level the playing field and establishes a story similar to the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales.
The fishmonger, deeply saddened after experiencing a particularly cruel experience at a wedding, visits the basket maker and asks him to take him as her husband. There is no question whether he can accomplish such a thing. Simply assume he can. Moments later, we follow a new arrival in town as he gathers a few basic items before meeting his future bride, the fishmonger.
argument
Alexander Skarsgård plays the Wicker Husband, and he plays the role brilliantly. His performance, completely covered with elaborate practical costumes and makeup, is even more impressive. Little of Skarsgård’s face is visible other than his eyes. His acting depends almost entirely on his delivery of words, physical movements, and eye expressions. And you can see that this man truly loves the fishmonger. He is willing to do anything for her and there is nothing as evil about it as you might initially imagine.
Well, if I were to end the story here, it would be a lovely, redemptive love story. But that doesn’t necessarily make it a very entertaining movie. Unfortunately, cruelty has a way of undermining happiness. Something dastardly and generally terrible happens and their relationship is put to the test. You’ll have to watch the movie to find out how it all works out. I certainly won’t ruin the experience for you.
I also liked the practical makeup and effects used throughout. ring. Fisher and Wilson wisely avoided relying heavily on CGI, resulting in a film that feels incredibly realistic. I think Wicker Husband needed some digital effects to make him look blank, but otherwise the character looks like they did an amazing job with the practical effects. There’s another major effect in this film that I think was actually achieved, and it’s truly amazing. Again, I won’t spoil the experience by revealing what it is.
Additional analysis
I loved writing. ring. The story is set up nicely and the pace is just right. I particularly enjoyed the realistic way in which the village simply accepts the Wicker Husband’s presence. No one seems particularly worried about a man made of woven tree branches wandering around town. He simply exists and everyone accepts that fact. There’s something incredibly compelling about this approach to storytelling.
One scene that particularly stands out to me takes place in the local tavern between Wicker Husband and the village men. Smartly written and brilliantly executed. This scene brilliantly illustrates how men, regardless of age, struggle when asked to face their emotions. While that’s certainly a bit of an exaggeration, there’s a lot of truth to the awkwardness of men trying to discuss their feelings. I found the entire sequence hilarious and surprisingly insightful.
Another aspect of the story that I appreciated is that it does not provide a neat and satisfying resolution to the cruelties that occur. The village continues as it always has. The tailor’s wife is still dissatisfied with her life. Although why she chose to live that way is beyond me. There is no grandiose assessment of those responsible for the suffering of others. Life goes on. I think that’s an important element in creating a story. Not everyone learns the lesson, and not everyone changes for the better. Unfortunately, life often goes that way.
conclusion
I thought the casting of Colman and Debicki was ideal for this story, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Olivia Colman nominated for some awards for her performance. Peter Dinklage and Alexander Skarsgård also deserve recognition. The entire cast and crew did a great job bringing this unusual little story to life.
If you’re looking for a date night movie that makes you think about how we treat other people and how we can learn to love each other and hope everyone finds happiness in their lives, this sweet little fable story is for you. You might leave the theater thinking that maybe we could all learn to be a little kinder to each other again. In a world increasingly accustomed to cruelty, that’s not such a bad message to take home. To quote a Beatles song, “All you need is love.” ring It’s a lovely movie. Enjoy it with your loved ones.
Read more Cinema Scholars reviews!
General Review: It’s All in Our Faces
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