There are romantic movies, there are fantasy movies, and then there's WICKER—a film that makes you question whether you've just watched a romantic fairy tale, a dark comedy, or something completely out of this world!
Now showing in Philippine cinemas, WICKER caught my attention simply because of its unusual premise. I mean, how often do you encounter a movie about a woman who commissions a husband made entirely of woven branches? Definitely not your everyday love story!
But behind this bizarre concept is a surprisingly interesting story about love, acceptance, relationships, and society's obsession with what is considered normal.
The story introduces us to a Fisherwoman, played by the incredible Olivia Colman, who lives in a seaside village where she is constantly ridiculed and treated as an outcast because she is unmarried.
Instead of accepting the judgment of her community, she decides to take matters into her own hands. She approaches a Basketmaker, played by Peter Dinklage, and commissions him to create a husband for her.
And that's where things get interesting!
Enter Alexander Skarsgård as the Wicker Husband—a rather unusual creation who turns out to be much more than what anyone could have imagined.
What follows is an unconventional romance that challenges the village's traditional beliefs and exposes the insecurities, jealousy, and hypocrisy of the people around them.
Honestly, the premise alone is enough to make you curious about what happens next.
One thing that makes WICKER work is its impressive ensemble cast.
Olivia Colman brings so much personality to the Fisherwoman. Her portrayal makes the character relatable despite the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her love life.
Alexander Skarsgård is another interesting highlight. Playing a husband made of wicker is certainly not an ordinary acting assignment! Yet he brings a distinct personality and warmth to a character that could easily have become nothing more than a visual gimmick.
Peter Dinklage adds mystery and character to the story as the Basketmaker, while Elizabeth Debicki contributes another interesting layer to the film's exploration of jealousy and social expectations.
The performances help make this unusual fairy tale feel like an actual story about people, relationships, and emotions.
What I find particularly interesting about the concept of WICKER is the message behind it.
We live in a society where people are constantly judged by their relationship status, physical appearance, financial capacity, and even their ability to meet other people's expectations.
The Fisherwoman represents someone who refuses to let society dictate how she should live her life.
And here's where the story becomes more meaningful: Why should we allow other people's standards to determine our happiness?
The movie also raises interesting questions about relationships. Is a perfect partner someone who looks good, comes from a respectable background, or meets society's expectations? Or is it someone who genuinely makes you feel loved, respected, and appreciated?
Sometimes, the people who look perfect on the outside have the most imperfect relationships behind closed doors.
And perhaps that's one of the most amusing ironies of this movie.
If you're expecting a typical romantic comedy, WICKER might surprise you.
Its combination of fantasy, dark humor, romance, and social satire makes it a rather unconventional cinematic experience. It isn't necessarily designed for everyone, but its originality is what makes it stand out.
I particularly appreciate the creative direction of a story that dares to explore an unusual concept instead of relying on the usual romantic movie formula.
Of course, the film's eccentric premise and mature humor may not appeal to every audience. Some viewers might also wish that certain themes had been explored more deeply.
Nevertheless, WICKER offers something different from the usual mainstream romantic films.
At the end of the day, WICKER reminds us that love doesn't always come in the package we expect.
Sometimes, happiness comes from the most unexpected places—and apparently, it can even be woven together!
Beyond its unusual premise, the movie encourages us to reflect on how we judge other people's relationships and why we place so much importance on society's definition of a perfect partner.
Because honestly, what's the point of having a picture-perfect relationship if there's no genuine love, respect, and understanding?
My biggest takeaway: Don't let society dictate what makes you happy. Love doesn't have to look perfect to be meaningful.
If you're looking for something unconventional, entertaining, a little bizarre, and thought-provoking, WICKER deserves a spot on your movie-watch list.
And yes, this might just be one of the strangest husbands you'll ever encounter on the big screen!
MOVIE DETAILS
- Title: WICKER
- Year: 2026
- Genre: Fantasy / Romance / Comedy
- Directors: Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson
- Cast: Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage, Elizabeth Debicki
- Runtime: 105 minutes
- Philippine Release: November 4, 2026
RUNNER ROCKY SAYS: Sometimes, the most unconventional stories deliver the most interesting reminders about life and love.
Have you watched WICKER? What do you think about its unusual love story? Share your thoughts in the comments! (Runner Rocky)
Follow Us on Instagram: @rockycbatara and @therunnerrocky