Wicker: A Folk-Horror Romance Exploring Heteropessimism and Sentient Objects

Key points

• The film Wicker, directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, features Olivia Colman as a fisherwoman who commissions a wicker husband from Peter Dinklage’s basket weaver, played by Alexander Skarsgård.
• The story originated from Ursula Wills’ 2008 short story 'The Wicker Husband,' which sat on a website for years before a producer contacted her to adapt it for the screen.
• The movie explores themes of patriarchal marriage, gender equality, and the appeal of non-human partners, resonating with audiences tired of traditional heterosexual relationships.
• Changes from the original story include a more developed backstory for the antagonist, Elizabeth Debicki’s character, and a clearer agency for the wicker husband, who chooses to love the fisherwoman.
• The film’s release has generated significant online discourse, with many women expressing enthusiasm for the concept of a low-maintenance, non-threatening partner.

Background

Wicker is part of a broader trend in media featuring non-human romantic partners, including romantasy novels and object-oriented erotica. The film’s success reflects a growing interest in stories that challenge traditional gender roles and relationship dynamics. The original short story by Ursula Wills was inspired by a wicker man statue in Cornwall, which lasted only three years, mirroring the lifespan of the wicker husband in the film.

How outlets are covering it

Vogue’s Emma Specter highlights the film’s humor and the audience’s reaction to its absurd premise, noting the excitement around the wicker husband’s design and the film’s playful take on gender roles. The Guardian’s Emma Beddington frames the film as a response to heteropessimism, suggesting that the wicker husband represents a desire for a partner without the burdens of traditional masculinity. Slate’s Rebecca Onion emphasizes the film’s origins in Wills’ short story and the changes made for the movie, such as the wicker husband’s agency and the more developed antagonist. While Vogue focuses on the film’s entertainment value, The Guardian and Slate delve into its cultural significance and the broader trends in non-human romance.

Why it matters

Wicker’s cultural impact reflects a shift in how audiences engage with traditional narratives of romance and gender roles. The film’s success suggests a growing appetite for stories that challenge conventional relationships and explore alternative forms of intimacy. By blending folk horror with romantic comedy, Wicker offers a satirical yet heartfelt commentary on modern dating and the burdens of traditional masculinity, resonating with a diverse audience.

What to watch

The film’s wide release is expected to continue generating discussion about its themes and cultural relevance. Ursula Wills’ upcoming book, featuring 12 other short stories, may further explore the fairy-tale style that inspired Wicker. Additionally, the original wicker man statue in Cornwall is being recreated by the artist’s children, potentially drawing new attention to the real-life inspiration behind the film.