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The Wicker Man

Play trailer Poster for The Wicker Man 1974 1h 42m Mystery & Thriller Horror Play Trailer Watchlist
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91% Tomatometer 69 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) arrives on the small Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the report of a missing child. A conservative Christian, the policeman observes the residents' frivolous sexual displays and strange pagan rituals, particularly the temptations of Willow (Britt Ekland), daughter of the island magistrate, Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). The more Sergeant Howie learns about the islanders' strange practices, the closer he gets to tracking down the missing child.
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The Wicker Man

The Wicker Man

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Critics Consensus

This intelligent horror film is subtle in its thrills and chills, with an ending that is both shocking and truly memorable.

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Critics Reviews

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Steven D. Greydanus Decent Films The gothic ambiance and mood synonymous with the era's familiar tales of unholy menace is wholly absent. If there is evil here, it doesn't know it's evil. Rated: B- Oct 29, 2008 Full Review Variety Staff Variety Anthony Shaffer penned the screenplay which, for sheer imagination and near-terror, has seldom been equalled. Oct 7, 2008 Full Review Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Robin Hardy's 1973 cult horror film passed through several distributors, several versions, and several bankruptcies, picking up a powerful reputation along the way. Oct 7, 2008 Full Review Bryce Hanson Horror Movie Talk This movie is a classic for a reason, it is very discombobulating, and you experience the confusion that Sergeant Howie does. Anyone with a conservative Christian upbringing might not have as extreme reaction to the Paganism as Howie... Rated: 10/10 Sep 18, 2025 Full Review Patrick Cavanaugh The Wolfman Cometh Its unhinged absurdity lulls you into a false sense of safety, only to deliver a shocking conclusion while also offering a critique on misguided devotions. Rated: 5/5 Sep 11, 2025 Full Review Gayle Sequeira Inverse The Wicker Man remains an distinctively unnerving masterwork. Aug 26, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Luis Ivan M Often regarded as the quintessential folk-horror film, The Wicker Man establishes its protagonist and central mystery from the outset. As the story progresses, we follow him into an isolated setting that grows increasingly peculiar, and the film skillfully sustains our curiosity as each new detail about this strange community is revealed. Even if the structure isn’t strictly conventional, the first two acts maintain a solid rhythm and gradually build intrigue. The third act delivers an effective plot twist, but after that point the film becomes quite predictable. In hindsight, the climax feels as though it’s missing an additional layer, some element that could have heightened tension or offered a faint sense of hope, even if only to subvert it. Despite this, the screenplay is largely strong, with a clear thematic focus on the clash between extreme religious beliefs. The performances work well, and Christopher Lee’s appearance is particularly memorable. The soundtrack (dominated by folk music)deepens the sense of place and immerses us in the film’s cultural world, though a brief use of acid-style electric guitar feels tonally out of place. While the film is not conventionally scary and some viewers may hesitate to label it "horror," its folkloric imagery, Celtic-inspired world-building, and atmospheric music give it a haunting, enduring power. Overall, it’s a richly textured experience and an essential watch for anyone interested in folk horror or the evolution of the genre. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/23/25 Full Review Ethan H. The film is best described as “horror” as seen through a heavily ‘70s flower child colored lens. I will however say it captivates your attention and of course Christopher Lee is excellent. At one point I did think I had mistakenly happened upon a musical. Personally, the music and acting left much to be desired. Finally, I admit I am a bit biased as I hated the ending. It didn’t crescendo to a satisfying conclusion. It just fizzled out to ashes… pun fully intended. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 11/17/25 Full Review Fatima R. The Wicker Man works because it doesn’t waste time. It’s simple, direct, & gets straight to the cult energy without filler. I always appreciate horror that focuses on discomfort instead of jump scares, & this movie does exactly that. The whole time, you feel like something is very wrong even when everything looks calm on the surface. I was nervous for the guy from the moment he showed up, & the tension just kept tightening. It’s slow in a deliberate way, & that’s what makes it hit. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/14/25 Full Review EE D Really couldn't connect, the old fashion acting that is more of a grotesque then acting managed to put a thin wall between me and the movie. If anyone will try to act in this way nowadays i think he/she'll be thrown down from all the stairs. The story itself is interesting and the ending is intriguing. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 11/11/25 Full Review chris m The irony of being moral. From the very first frame, ‘The Wicker Man’ captivates with cinematography that seems to whisper more than it shows: a delicate balance of composition, lighting, and, above all, color, turning every shot into a small visual enigma. It’s one of those films where every element works in harmony, without missteps, and that aesthetic unity becomes an essential part of the tension and unease that permeate the story. The plot, seemingly simple, slowly tangles itself into interconnected layers without ever losing clarity. As its synopsis suggests, the narrative guides the viewer toward a disturbing truth—achieved through a precise script and impeccable direction that sustain the unsettling tone from start to finish. Edward Woodward embodies the protagonist with firm character, presence, and charisma—exactly what a role of this magnitude demands. Christopher Lee, meanwhile, builds a character as psychologically disturbing as he is memorable: every gesture and line carries a restrained tension that never needs exaggeration to leave an impact. The community portrayed in the film is, in itself, a remarkable achievement: written and presented with meticulous care, its rituals and customs emerge naturally through different points in the narrative, reinforcing the psychological weight of the story. The film leaves a lasting impression—an ironic reflection on blind devotion and the need to believe in something greater than oneself, suggested with precision and without the need for explicit statements. Subtly, the film also raises the question of what it means to uphold a moral and ethical code in an environment that doesn’t share it. The protagonist acts with integrity and conviction, yet the story, in its characteristic irony, shows that even the firmest righteousness comes at a price—one that impacts the narrative without ever being overtly pointed out. The soundtrack accompanies and reinforces the atmosphere, unsettling as much as any plot twist. It’s no coincidence that contemporary filmmakers like Ari Aster have drawn inspiration from this work for their own explorations of folklore and horror, maintaining a remarkable parallel that speaks to its lasting influence. Ultimately, ‘The Wicker Man’ masterfully combines aesthetics, narrative, and psychological tension, becoming a classic that continues to surprise, disturb, and leave its mark long after the viewing experience. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/06/25 Full Review Charlie N. Absolutely brilliant. My top horror of all time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/31/25 Full Review Read all reviews
The Wicker Man

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Movie Info

Synopsis Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) arrives on the small Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the report of a missing child. A conservative Christian, the policeman observes the residents' frivolous sexual displays and strange pagan rituals, particularly the temptations of Willow (Britt Ekland), daughter of the island magistrate, Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). The more Sergeant Howie learns about the islanders' strange practices, the closer he gets to tracking down the missing child.
Director
Robin Hardy
Producer
Peter Snell
Screenwriter
Anthony Shaffer
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
British Lion Film Corporation
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Horror
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 7, 1974, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Jul 7, 2023
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 6, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$61.8K
Runtime
1h 42m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
35mm, Flat (1.85:1)
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