Every once and while there's a romantic story that is a shining example of what is missing in the world. It showcases the now almost non-existent level pure love and devotion one has for another without the trivial conditions society deems appropriate. Stories like this only seem to exist in literature and that is why book sales have skyrocketed. I miss these types of pure stories because not only do they warm your heart and give the loveless hope, but they also hold up a mirror to the audience and make them realize what it is they have or have been missing. That is what this film does as it delivers the former and doesn't shy away from the latter. I really enjoyed the quasi Dr. Frankenstein's monster romance aspect of the story and how the quiet little archaic village reacted to such a sight. The level of situational and visually dark comedy was brilliantly done in a manner that the cast elevated it enough to keep it from falling into parody.
Olivia Colman has always been one of the most amazing actresses out there and as the Fisherwoman, she brings a level of relatability, vulnerability and charm that was truly magnificent. I understood the Fisherwoman's classic story of being treated fondly by some and horribly by the rest. As the village's decidedly undesirable loner, she was truly the most loving and smartest person in the film. Her humanity was paramount when she asks for the most basic of needs which was a human connection with someone that truly loves her. Peter Dinklage was fun and shakespearean as the inquisitive Basket Weaver. I loved that he was a kind man with a great talent that would eventually reveal people's true nature. Peter did a great job keeping his innocence intake. Alexander Skarsgård always delivers and as the Wicker Husband, he gives an astoundingly honest and warm hearted performance. His simple, kind heart and devotion to the Fisherwoman was truly refreshing and just wonderful. He never strayed from that level of commitment as many other similar stories would have him do. The chemistry was instant and magical between the Fisherman and Wicker Husband. You feel as if you went through all the levels that lead to true love in a matter of minutes and it was wonderful. Elizabeth Debicki was great as the socialite, the Tailor's Wife. She represents the classic image of the perfect and richest woman of the village that has such sway over everyone. Elizabeth delivers such grace and venom all in one character that quickly surfaces and it was a fascinating deconstruction of a facade. Another stand out performance came from Ben Ashenden and Ella Bruccoleri as the Baker and the Baker's Wife. Once the Wicker Husband arrives, it sends a shock of desperation and desire through the both of them and it was sad and hilarious at the same time. Both Ben and Ella were fantastic together as one brings the quick witt and the other delivers the feeling of the flame that needed to be rekindled between them.
The score by composer Anna Meredith was outstanding and delivers on the classical and offbeat tone of the film. The music in the dance sequence was truly fun and filled that scene with magic and tension. I always champion practical sets and makeup and this film delivers on all fronts. The Wicker Husband was absolutely stunning as Alexander's movements were great and stiff as they should be. The amount of detail on the suit was perfection and the makeup on his face when he would speak was stunning. The sound design was magnificent too as it was so precise to his movements, steps and even the micro facial expressions. This was a surprise of a film for me as I was hoping it would focus on the human element of a fantastical love story and it did. What a delightful film. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
