The Wicker Tree

The Wicker Tree is a 2011 horror film directed by Robin Hardy. It is a loosely-based sequel to his cult classic, The Wicker Man (1973). The film stars Brittania Nicol as Beth Boothby, a Texas-based Christian pop singer, and Henry Garrett as her boyfriend, Steve Thompson. The film also features appearances from veteran actor Graham McTavish and Scottish singer-songwriter Lesley Mackie.

The Wicker Tree begins with Beth and Steve leaving their small Texas town to spread their faith in Scotland as part of a Christian mission. When they arrive in the small village of Tressock, they are greeted with open arms by the locals who welcome them as saviors who can help them revive their pagan rituals.

As Beth and Steve begin to settle in, they discover that the locals' intentions are not as pure as they seem. They soon realize that they have been lured into an elaborate trap, and that the villagers have a sinister plan for them.

The film's themes of religion, ritual, and sacrifice are explored through the clash between Beth and the villagers. Beth's devotion to her faith leads her to instinctively reject the villagers' pagan rituals, while the villagers see her as a potential sacrifice in their efforts to appease their gods.

The film's visual style is reminiscent of The Wicker Man, with sweeping landscape shots of the Scottish countryside and creepy close-ups of the villagers' faces. The film's musical score also draws heavily on the original film, with haunting folk songs and chants adding to the sense of unease.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Wicker Tree is its exploration of American evangelism and its clash with ancient pagan rituals. The film takes a critical view of American Christian fundamentalism, with Beth's character being portrayed as naive and misguided in her attempts to convert the locals. The film suggests that a lack of understanding and cultural sensitivity can lead to disastrous outcomes.

The Wicker Tree is not without its flaws. The pacing of the film can be slow at times, and some of the performances are uneven. However, the film's strengths lie in its underlying themes and the way it builds tension as the audience waits for the inevitable conclusion.

In conclusion, The Wicker Tree is a worthy addition to the canon of 'folk horror' films. While not as memorable as its predecessor, The Wicker Tree is a thought-provoking exploration of religion and ritual that will leave viewers thinking long after the final credits have rolled.