The Wicker Man
The Wicker Man Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Movie Overview: The Wicker Man
| Movie | The Wicker Man |
| Release Year | 2006 |
| Director | Neil LaBute |
| Genre | Horror / Mystery / Thriller |
| Runtime | 102 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Wicker Man (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Wicker Man are led by Nicolas Cage . The supporting cast, including Ellen Burstyn and Kate Beahan , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Wicker Man does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Wicker Man has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Wicker Man
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2006, The Wicker Man is a Horror, Mystery, Thriller film directed by Neil LaBute. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Nicolas Cage.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A sheriff investigating the disappearance of a young girl from a small island discovers there's a larger mystery to solve among the island's secretive, neo-pagan community. Director Neil LaBute uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: The Wicker Man
The Wicker Man Ending Explained: Directed by Neil LaBute, The Wicker Man attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Nicolas Cage. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The Wicker Man reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Wicker Man?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Wicker Man
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $40.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $38.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Wicker Man Budget
The estimated production budget for The Wicker Man is $40.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Wicker Man
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Wicker Man Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Wicker Man Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about The Wicker Man age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Wicker Man is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Wicker Man is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wicker Man worth watching?
The Wicker Man is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 4.3/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Wicker Man parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Wicker Man identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Wicker Man?
The total duration of The Wicker Man is 102 minutes, which is approximately 1h 42m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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