The Wicker Man Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop visits a weirdo island full of naked people and then gets roasted like a marshmallow because they needed better apples.

🍿 The Wicker Man: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival on Summerisle

Sergeant Neil Howie, a devout Christian and virgin police officer, arrives on the remote Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, Rowan Morrison. He is disturbed by the island’s pagan practices and the locals’ seeming indifference to Rowan’s disappearance. The islanders openly engage in premarital sex and worship pagan deities, deeply conflicting with Howie’s strict religious beliefs.

Investigation and Growing Suspicion

As Howie investigates, he encounters resistance and evasiveness from the islanders. He discovers that Rowan’s mother denies her existence and that the islanders are secretive about their religious practices. Howie uncovers evidence of pagan rituals and begins to suspect that Rowan was sacrificed to ensure a bountiful harvest, as the previous year’s crops failed. The locals’ reverence for Lord Summerisle, the island’s leader, is also pronounced.

The May Day Ritual

On May Day, Howie discovers that Rowan is still alive and is to be sacrificed. He attempts to rescue her, but it is all part of an elaborate trap. Howie has been lured to the island to be the ultimate sacrifice himself. The islanders need an adult virgin with authority to ensure a successful harvest. Howie’s piety and profession ironically make him the perfect victim.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward): A devout Christian police sergeant who travels to a remote island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, only to uncover a pagan society and become a sacrifice.
• Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee): The charismatic and enigmatic leader of the pagan community on Summerisle, who orchestrates Howie’s arrival and ultimate sacrifice.
• Willow (Britt Ekland): The seductive innkeeper’s daughter who attempts to tempt Howie and plays a key role in the islanders’ plan.
• Miss Rose (Diane Cilento): The village school teacher who educates children about paganism and reincarnation, representing the island’s unique culture.
• Rowan Morrison (Irene Sunters): The supposedly missing girl whose fabricated disappearance lures Sergeant Howie to the island.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lord Summerisle: “Do sit down, Sergeant. Shocks are so much better absorbed with the knees bent.” – Said to Howie upon revealing some disturbing information about the island’s customs.
• Lord Summerisle: “You see, Sergeant, the গাছ and the fruit are one. It is not every day, of course, that one has the honour of burning a king.” – Lord Summerisle explains the importance of the sacrifice within the pagan belief system.
• Sergeant Howie: “I am a police officer!” – Howie desperately asserts his authority as he realizes he is trapped and about to be sacrificed.
• Sergeant Howie: “Oh God, accept my sacrifice!” – Howie’s final words as he is burned alive, praying for salvation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $810,000
• Domestic Gross: $148,882
• Worldwide Gross: $527,688

💥 The Wicker Man Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched The Wicker Man last night, and whoa, what a trip! At first, I was like, ‘This island is kinda groovy,’ but then things got super creepy. Edward Woodward’s character is so uptight, you can’t help but feel for him, even though he’s kinda annoying. And Christopher Lee? Total legend! That ending though… I seriously didn’t see it coming. Left me with a serious case of the chills. I’m not gonna lie, I’ll be thinking about this one for a while!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of folk horror”
  • “Viewers interested in pagan themes”
  • “Those who appreciate suspenseful thrillers”
  • “Christopher Lee fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Cult themes”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Pagan rituals”
  • “Burning alive”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Religious themes”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “A masterpiece of folk horror, The Wicker Man subverts expectations at every turn. Woodward’s performance is compelling, and Lee is magnetic as the charismatic Lord Summerisle. The ending is unforgettable, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
• Sight & Sound: “The Wicker Man expertly blends thriller and musical elements to create a truly unsettling experience. The film’s pagan themes and exploration of religious fanaticism are as relevant today as they were in the 70s. The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful.
• RogerEbert.com: “A truly unique film that explores the clash between Christianity and paganism. While the plot has some slow moments, the atmosphere and build-up of dread are exceptional. The performances are strong, and the film’s message is thought-provoking.

Audience Reactions

The twist ending completely blindsided me!: Viewers praise the film’s unexpected ending and its ability to stay with them long after viewing.

The soundtrack is eerily beautiful and perfectly captures the island’s atmosphere.: Many fans love the unique blend of folk music that adds to the film’s unsettling tone.

Overall Consensus: A cult classic known for its unsettling atmosphere, strong performances, and shocking twist ending. The Wicker Man remains a highly influential and debated work of folk horror.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Christopher Lee considered this to be the best film he ever made, and worked on it for free.”
• “The original negatives were accidentally thrown out, contributing to the difficulty in finding and restoring the full-length version.”
• “Many of the folk songs featured in the film were sourced from real pagan traditions and were arranged specifically for the film by Paul Giovanni.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Wicker Man?

The Wicker Man (1973) is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your preferred streaming service for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Wicker Man, you might like these similar films:

• Rosemary’s Baby (1968): Deals with themes of hidden cults, religious horror, and a protagonist slowly realizing they are part of a sinister plan.
• A Field in England (2013): A group of deserters in the English Civil War find themselves ensnared in a web of magic and manipulation by a mysterious alchemist.
• Midsommar (2019): A group of friends visit a remote Swedish village for a midsummer festival, only to discover they’ve stumbled into a terrifying pagan ritual.
• The Blair Witch Project (1999): Uses a found-footage style to depict a group of filmmakers lost in the woods while investigating a local legend, creating a sense of dread and unease.

🛒 The Wicker Man Related Products

• The Wicker Man (Limited Edition): A deluxe, limited-edition Blu-ray featuring both the theatrical and director’s cut, plus exclusive behind-the-scenes content and a collectible booklet. An essential item for any true fan.
• The Wicker Man Soundtrack Vinyl: Original soundtrack on vinyl. The haunting melodies and folk tunes of Summerisle now available for your record player.
• The Wicker Man T-Shirt: Show your love for this cult classic with a stylish t-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the film. Available in various sizes and designs.
• The Wicker Man: Summerisle Roleplaying Game: Immerse yourself into the world of folk horror. Play through scenarios inspired by the movie. Uncover the true horror lurking in the village of Summerisle. Unearth its history and customs.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Wicker Man features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Corn Rigs” – performed by Paul Giovanni
• “Willow’s Song” – performed by Magnet
• “Maypole Song” – performed by Paul Giovanni and Magnet

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With The Wicker Man In 16 Minutes Or Less

Get ready for a hilarious ride as CinemaSins takes a comedic jab at The Wicker Man, pointing out its flaws with their signature wit. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for a good laugh, this video is sure to entertain!

Why Was THE WICKER MAN Considered “Scary”?

Curious about what made The Wicker Man so unsettling? This in-depth analysis explores the movie’s themes, imagery, and impact, giving you a fresh perspective on its enduring creepiness.

Honest Trailers | The Wicker Man

Looking for a fun and insightful take on The Wicker Man? Check out this Honest Trailer, which pokes fun at the movie’s quirks while still appreciating its unique charm.

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