Ursula Wills-Jones’ 2008 short story “The Wicker Husband” serves as the foundation for a new film adaptation by writer-directors Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer. This quirky narrative follows the tale of a discontented fisherwoman who, living in an unenlightened medieval town, enlists the help of a local basketmaker to create a woven partner. The story presents a spin reminiscent of adult fairy tales, where the wicker husband expresses his unwavering devotion with lines like, “I was made to be with you,” showcasing an unusual but romantic dynamic.
In this adaptation, the titular “ugly woman,” played by the talented Olivia Colman, is portrayed not as grotesque but as relatable, sharing in the general lack of cleanliness typical of her town’s inhabitants. Notably, her character embraces her solitude, rejecting societal pressures around marriage until a turn of events prompts her to commission a wicker partner from Peter Dinklage’s character, the skilled basketmaker. The film engages with themes of superstition, the desire for companionship, and the absurdity of marriage customs in a way that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Wilson and Fischer cleverly preserve the tone of the original story while injecting irreverence into the portrayal of the townsfolk. The filmmakers utilize comedic elements reminiscent of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” bringing a fresh and critical eye to the absurdities of rural life. The film’s distinct humor includes satirical takes on marriage customs, such as the bizarre practice of locking a heavy copper collar around the bride’s neck.
One of the film’s striking elements lies in the relationship between the fisherwoman and her wicker husband, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård. The development of their bond offers rare insights into intimacy while simultaneously confronting the viewer with the comedic facade of the fisherwoman’s increasingly absurd reality. Both tender and humorous, their interactions challenge typical dynamics within romantic relationships in a charming manner.
However, the movie struggles with pacing, particularly in the second act, where the plot’s development appears stunted. Amid rising tensions about fidelity instigated by other characters, the narrative seems to falter in its momentum, questioning the fisherwoman’s agency and complicity in societal norms. This deviation in character development leaves the viewers pondering the strength of the moral lessons conveyed through this modern fable.
Ultimately, the film navigates the complexities of love and companionship amidst the backdrop of an unyielding society, highlighting the absurdities of both human nature and societal expectations. With its whimsical take on an old tale, “The Wicker Husband” stands as a curious exploration of romance, individuality, and the often ludicrous nature of societal customs, beckoning audiences to embrace the wilder aspects of love and relationships.