Robin Hardy changed the face of horror fifty years ago with his landmark folk horror flick The Wicker Man, which is still celebrated by genre and film fans alike. Its surreal, musical take on the often darkly lit, desolate horror genre was transformative for many viewers – but it almost never saw the light of day. Plagued by financial woes, a lack of experience, and British Lion Films seemingly burying its release in a double bill with Don't Look Now, The Wicker Man almost fell completely under the radar. Because of its initial box office failure, it tore apart the Hardy family and left devastation in its wake, a trauma that brothers Justin and Dominic Hardy uncover in intimate fashion in the poignant documentary Children Of The Wicker Man.
Described as the ‘Citizen Kane of horror' by Justin, the brothers open up on their childhood as two of Robin's eight children, with Justin recounting growing up at 75 Eaton Terrace, the creative hub of The Wicker Man. The pair do so by delving through bags of documents belonging to their father as well as interviews with those closely involved with the film, including producer Peter Snell, and film critic, screenwriter, and actor David McGillivray.
The result is a deeply emotional tour-de-force that intimately explores the complicated facets of independent filmmaking, the creation of The Wicker Man, and how Hardy's obsession with the film and downfall saw him walk away from his sons and Justin's mother Caroline, who died aged 51 before she could see the film reach its true potential. It's a bittersweet journey for Wicker Man fans, both delightful in recounting how it defied the odds and became such a success, but heartbreaking to see the devastation etched into Justin and Dominic's faces as they recall the upheaval ir wrought upon their lives.
It's impossible to keep a dry eye as they read hidden letters Hardy addressed to them when he believed he was going to die, with the men breaking down in cathartic tears as they connect with their father like never before. Their exploration sees them find a newfound respect for how The Wicker Man changed the face of film, while also learning more about the man behind the camera. Along with interviews and insight into the documents, the film is littered with animations and graphics that bring the information to life in a dynamic, engaging fashion.
The Wicker Man has long since been thought of as one of the most complicated films in horror history, thanks to both its subject matter and bumpy road to creation that led to its eventual cult status. But this devastatingly intimate look at obsession, loss, and triumph brings new depth to The Wicker Man's story through those that it affects like no other. Children Of The Wicker Man will surely not suffer the same fate as its subject matter, destined to become an essential watch for film fans of all backgrounds as the legend of the iconic shocker lives on.
Children of the Wicker Man had its world premiere at FrightFest 2024 on Friday, August 23.
