PARK CITY, Utah — A story as old as time, a song as old as rhyme, Olivia Colman and basketball.

That’s the essence of “The Wicker,” a dark and peculiar fairy tale that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Honestly, it’s surprisingly great.

Colman embodies a grungy outcast fisherman from a medieval village. She pays a mysterious magician, portrayed by Peter Dinklage, to knit her husband. The whole setup is kind of a fascinating twist.

The fisherman woman, who goes unnamed, embraces her unconventional life, resisting the outdated customs of her community, such as women being collared on their wedding days. There’s a dry humor in her disdain for these traditions.

Meanwhile, the rest of the village seems caught up in toxic masculinity. In a remote cabin, the Fisherwoman grapples with feelings of isolation.

Then, a month later, she gets her “man” – the soft-spoken Alexander Skarsgård, crafted by Weta Workshop into a stunning figure made of intertwined reeds. Weta is usually known for their work on big blockbusters, so this indie romance is a bit of a departure.

As the film proceeds, things take a more emotional turn. It explores what happens when two seemingly mismatched beings find each other behind closed doors. The Fisherwoman and her created partner share passionate moments, and he turns out to be quite the attentive companion. He listens, helps around the house, and generally seems perfect.

However, the local community grows increasingly discontent. After her marriage to this former object, the town shifts from pitchfork-wielding hostility to envy, as they recognize the genuine bond the couple shares, unlike the cold relationships many others endure.

Women in the village start to yearn for deeper connections, which can lead to some dramatic outcomes. It’s almost as if their experiences prompt a collective questioning of old customs.

Alongside some odd characters, like a doctor with a disturbing habit of killing his patients, Dinklage plays the enigmatic Basketmaker whose decisions leave a lasting impact on the village.

Colman, known for embracing absurdity, manages to connect deeply with the audience. Skarsgård complements her performance, showcasing a gentle giant reminiscent of misunderstood figures in literature.

In true fable style, lessons emerge, tears are shed, and Colman’s character ultimately finds beauty in her fragility, with the narrative reflecting on passion and its consequences.

As with any tale, we leave humming those familiar Disney tunes—“One day you will receive a package of boxes and barrels!”