Can Wicker Make You Better Boyfriend Material?

Alexander Skarsgård’s latest role in the film Wicker positions him as an extraordinary figure crafted from sticks and straw, embodying a new archetype of partnership and masculinity. The film, arriving in theaters this Friday, blends fantasy with contemporary relationship dynamics, presenting a narrative both whimsical and strikingly relevant.

The story unfolds in a village where people are identified solely by their professions. Olivia Colman portrays The Fisherwoman, a solitary and socially marginalized woman who commissions a basket weaver, played by Peter Dinklage, to create her ideal partner. This craftsman possesses a unique ability to animate woven beings, resulting in the creation of the Wicker Husband—a literal man made of wicker who is devoted, hardworking, and deeply loving.

Despite his unusual composition, the Wicker Husband quickly proves to be more grounded and dependable than many villagers. His unwavering devotion to The Fisherwoman and his role as a supportive community member challenge traditional masculine stereotypes prevalent in the village. However, his presence also evokes envy and discomfort among neighbors, particularly the village men, who see their own shortcomings reflected in his ideal behavior.

Wicker’s narrative boldly examines themes such as love, fidelity, and masculinity without resorting to conventional fairy tale simplicity. The filmmakers, Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, who also penned the screenplay, drew heavily from their own marriage to infuse authenticity into the story’s exploration of partnership. Their collaboration began shortly after their wedding in 2021, marking the film as a satirical yet heartfelt examination of marital dynamics.

The film’s adult-oriented tone distinguishes it from traditional fairy tales, incorporating candid depictions of intimacy and desire. This inclusion serves to push boundaries, presenting sexuality and relationship structures in a way that mirrors contemporary discussions about evolving romantic norms. The villagers’ reactions to the Wicker Husband’s passionate nature underscore tensions between societal expectations and personal fulfillment.

A notable subplot involves a young man known as the Bottle Washer, who regards the Wicker Husband as a mentor figure. Contrasting with the village’s prevailing model of masculinity—characterized by bravado and resentment toward women—the Wicker Husband offers an alternative: gentleness, emotional honesty, and attentiveness. This mentorship highlights the film’s engagement with redefining male identity.

While the Wicker Husband embodies an aspirational ideal, the story does not shy away from portraying the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in relationships. The Fisherwoman’s insecurities and the villagers’ skepticism test the resilience of their bond. The film suggests that genuine connection requires openness and self-acceptance, themes echoed through the Fisherwoman’s journey toward embracing her own worthiness of love.

The filmmakers emphasize that Wicker is not intended to provide definitive answers about love or masculinity but to provoke thoughtful reflection. Their own relationship, characterized by creative and personal partnership, informs this nuanced perspective. Their past collaborations and shared experiences offer a foundation for the film’s honest interrogation of what it means to sustain a meaningful union.

Ultimately, Wicker presents a layered allegory about bending rather than breaking under the pressures of love and societal judgment. The titular character’s literal transparency and straightforward communication contrast sharply with the villagers’ evasions, highlighting how authenticity can challenge and transform traditional relationship models.

With its blend of fantasy, satire, and sincere emotional inquiry, Wicker invites audiences to reconsider entrenched gender roles and the possibilities of partnership. The film’s release adds a distinctive voice to ongoing cultural conversations about what defines a “better boyfriend” or partner in today’s complex social landscape.