The release of the film Wicker on October 23 has led to a strong online interest in its star, Alexander Skarsgård. The movie features Olivia Colman as a solitary fisherwoman who hires a basketmaker to create a husband for her, only to learn that her handmade companion meets her needs in unexpected ways. Viewers have begun to fantasize about what it would be like to have a “6’5, blue-eyed man woven from rattan.” Medical professionals have expressed concerns about these fantasies. Dr. Amy Novatt, an OB-GYN associated with intimate wellness brand Dame, mentioned that while fantasy can be healthy, it becomes problematic when it leads to unsafe actions that could harm health.
Fans online have shared images of various unusual home items that now seem to resemble the wicker husband since watching the film. One person posted a picture of a wooden cone and suggested it looked like the character. Another joked that wicker doesn’t splinter in water. The strong reactions to Skarsgård’s role even caught the attention of IKEA, which described its wooden furniture as “husband material.” However, Dr. Novatt cautioned against people trying to replicate the film’s ideas.
In an interview with The New York Post released on October 15, she warned that using wicker items for intimate purposes could lead to serious injuries. She explained that wood can splinter, and plant-based materials can harbor bacteria and mold that might cause infections. Dr. Novatt indicated that she had treated women who suffered cuts and other serious issues from using foreign objects, some requiring surgical procedures.
She noted that the tissues in certain areas of the body can heal quickly, but this does not mean that one should intentionally expose them to dangerous materials. Dr. Evan Goldstein, a proctologist and founder of Bespoke Surgical in New York, along with Alex Hall, creator of The Bottom’s Digest, also discussed the risks of using wicker objects in intimate settings.
In an October 30 interview with Out, Dr. Goldstein acknowledged that while the body can adapt, he had seen many injuries from items that were thought to be safe. He pointed out that wicker, made from woven willow, reed, or bamboo, poses risks due to its potential to splinter. He stated that the anal canal’s sensitive skin means that a splinter can lead to serious medical emergencies.
Dr. Goldstein also discussed lubrication issues, noting that water-based lubricants could swell the reeds, while silicone-based ones might get trapped in the material. He cautioned against oil-based lubricants due to their flammability. Alex Hall echoed this sentiment, stating that even with preparation, the rough surface of wicker could not be made safe for intimate use.
What do you think about the reactions to Wicker and the warnings from medical experts?
Sources:
Source: Bored Panda, by Dinara Luz