Pop Culture Happy Hour

Wicker and What’s Making Us Happy

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Summary

The new film "Wicker," featuring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård, presents a whimsical yet provocative take on relationships and societal norms in a medieval setting. Colman plays a fisherwoman who, tired of being ridiculed in her village, commissions a basket weaver, portrayed by Peter Dinklage, to create a husband made of wicker. This unconventional romance challenges the status quo in a community where women feel trapped in unsatisfactory marriages, highlighting themes of desire, identity, and the nature of love.

Critics praise the film for its blend of humor and deeper philosophical questions. The narrative explores the dynamics of a woman's quest for happiness against a backdrop of patriarchal constraints. While some reviewers note the film's straightforward storytelling and lack of complexity in its exploration of themes like agency and servitude, others appreciate its charm and the performances, particularly Colman's ability to convey a range of emotions. The film's sound design and visual aesthetics also receive commendation, enhancing its overall whimsical tone.

Despite its lighthearted approach, "Wicker" raises important questions about the nature of relationships and the societal expectations placed on women. The film's blend of humor and social commentary makes it a unique addition to the fall movie lineup, appealing to audiences looking for both entertainment and thought-provoking content.

Show Notes

Wicker is somehow the coziest and horniest movie of the fall. Olivia Coleman and Alexander Skarsgård star as the unlikely couple: She’s a fisherwoman who commissions a husband literally made of wicker. The newly-kindled romance upends their small medieval town, where the men are the worst and the women are — surprise surprise — bored and unsatisfied with their own husbands.

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