The Wicker Man (1973)

The Wicker Man (1973) is a tense, atmospheric folk-horror mystery about Sergeant Neil Howie, a devout police officer who visits the remote Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. What begins as a routine inquiry steadily unravels into something far stranger: the islanders are disarmingly friendly yet evasive, their lives governed by vivid pagan rituals and an open, unsettling celebration of fertility that clashes violently with Howie’s rigid Christian faith. Watching the film, you’ll experience a slow-burn dread built from haunting landscapes, bright but eerie village scenes, infectious folk music, and unnerving undercurrents of secrecy. The mood shifts from curious to increasingly claustrophobic as Howie’s certainty gives way to suspicion and moral outrage—while the island’s pastoral beauty contrasts with practices that feel both ancient and threatening. The result is psychological horror rather than gore: the film trades jump scares for simmering tension, surreal pageantry, and a sense that something inevitable and terrible is approaching. The Wicker Man explores themes of belief, community, and the collision of faiths, anchored by strong performances and a uniquely unsettling atmosphere. Expect to be intrigued, disturbed, and haunted long after the credits roll—culminating in a shocking, tragic climax that leaves a lasting emotional impact. Content warning: ritualistic and disturbing imagery, sexual themes, and psychological intensity.

Actors: Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Diane Cilento

Director: Robin Hardy

Runtime: 88 min

Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

7.0 /10 87 /100 7.5 /10 7.7 /10