Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Olivia Colman, Peter Dinklage, Elizabeth Debicki, Richard E. Grant, Ella Bruccoleri
Genre: Satire, Drama, Fantasy
Directors: Alex Huston Fischer, Eleanor Wilson
In Irish Cinemas: Now
In a world governed by rigid traditions and outdated expectations, a lonely fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) decides to take an unconventional approach to finding love. She commissions a local craftsman (Peter Dinklage) to create a husband for her, resulting in an extraordinary wicker-built man (Alexander Skarsgård). What begins as an unexpected romance soon becomes a source of suspicion, jealousy and hostility among the local community.
Stories of beings brought to life through human craftsmanship have existed for centuries, from mythical creations to beloved fictional characters. However, this imaginative tale gives the familiar concept a fresh perspective, exploring what happens when someone who is different enters a society unwilling to accept them. Beneath its unusual premise lies a surprisingly touching story about companionship, acceptance and the freedom to love without judgement.
The fisherwoman has spent much of her life navigating a community where women have little independence and are expected to accept whatever treatment they receive from men. Her newly created husband challenges these conventions simply through the way he behaves. Gentle, considerate and completely devoted to his wife, he offers her something she has never truly experienced: unconditional affection. Unfortunately, his presence exposes the insecurities and shortcomings of the men around them, particularly the unpleasant local butcher (Phil Daniels), whose authority depends more on intimidation than genuine respect.
Alexander Skarsgård brings an intriguing combination of physical presence and vulnerability to the unusual role. Despite being constructed entirely from woven materials, his character feels remarkably expressive and emotionally engaging. Olivia Colman is equally compelling, portraying a woman who is independent enough to challenge expectations but vulnerable enough to long for genuine connection. Their relationship provides the emotional foundation of the story, making its more fantastical elements feel surprisingly grounded.
Directors Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer approach the material with an appealing mixture of eccentric humour, romance and social observation. The film examines gender expectations, prejudice and the absurdity of judging others for being different, while maintaining a strong focus on the unlikely relationship at its centre. Although certain moments feel slower than necessary and the commentary occasionally becomes more prominent than the comedy, the film remains an engaging and distinctive experience.
Rather than relying on its bizarre premise for cheap laughs, the story develops into an unexpectedly heartfelt exploration of what makes someone a good partner. Its central message is simple but effective: being human has very little to do with appearances, and kindness can be far more attractive than conformity.
A wonderfully strange romantic fable, filled with warmth, offbeat humour and an unconventional love story that proves the perfect partner might come in the most unexpected form.
Overall: 7/10
Movie Reviewer
