The Wicker Man (2006) - full transcript
While recovering from a tragic accident on the road, the patrolman Edward Malus receives a letter from his former fiancée Willow, who left him years ago without any explanation, telling that her daughter Rowan is missing. Edward travels to the private island of Summerisle, where Willow lives in an odd community that plant fruits, and she reveals that Rowan is actually their daughter. Along his investigation with the hostile and unhelpful dwellers, Edward discloses that the locals are pagans, practicing old rituals to improve their harvest, and Rowan is probably alive and being prepared to be sacrificed. When he locates the girl, he finds also the dark truth about the wicker man.
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- Thanks, hon.
- You got it.
- Boo.
- Hey.
Sorry. My mind was wandering.
Totally understand.
If I just ate one of them burgers,
I'd be in a trance, too.
So where's your friend?
Honey,
your salad's up.
Give me your driver's licence and registration.
- You know why I stopped you?
- Yeah.
- Afternoon.
- Afternoon, sir. Hello.
Sorry about the...
We're just in the middle of moving and I...
I'm sorry.
- Did you get my doll?
- Sweetie, hush.
It's okay. I've got it, honey.
It's a little banged up.
Anyway, sorry again.
Ever since lunch she's been acting out.
I'm bored.
Well, I know what that's like.
But we need to be careful with our things,
don't we,
so everyone else can be safe, too, right?
We won't let it happen again, sir.
Great. Thanks a lot.
Honey, stop that.
I'm so sorry. She's belted in, but...
Don't worry. It comes with the territory.
I'll get it.
Whoa!
Keep your head down!
Give me your hand!
Give me your hand!
- Hey.
- Hey.
So...
That about sums it up.
I heard about your commendation. That's great.
Thanks.
Guys down at the station are saying
you might resign or something.
Is that true?
My dad would kill me.
Here. Pete made me bring them over.
"Get well soon" stuff.
I guess it just keeps coming in, so...
- Well, you wanna sit down, or...
- Yeah, I will.
This stuff helping you?
Some.
You don't have to stay.
I don't really need visitors.
No, I'm fine.
So, are you gonna shoot for detective now
or what?
Just need a little time off.
So, they still never found the bodies
from that car, right?
No.
That car wasn't even registered,
if you can believe that.
- Well, who were they?
- Don't know.
Might never know.
Edward, I know that we haven't spoken
in a few years and things ended badly.
I ended them badly, to be more fair.
I didn't wanna hurt you any more than I did.
Now I must.
To the point.
I have a daughter.
She is a perfect child and her name is Rowan.
She has been missing for two weeks now,
and I need your help.
I should explain.
I live on Summersisle,
a tiny place in Puget Sound.
I doubt you've heard of it.
It is where I grew up.
Do you remember how you always used to ask me?
Now you know.
Rowan couldn't have left the island by herself.
She's too young.
I have tried to find her on my own,
but am receiving little help
from the community.
I fear she is in danger, so now I turn to you.
I pray that you'll forgive me.
Yours fondly, Willow Woodward.
Hello.
Hello?
- Ed, how's it going?
- Good, thank you.
- Hi.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Hey, how you doing?
- Better.
- Are you back?
No, not for a couple of weeks.
Listen, you didn't see this one
come in by any chance?
- No. Why?
- Because no stamp.
Read it.
Wow.
The plot thickens.
- Didn't even know you had a plot.
- No kidding.
So, is this, like, some old girlfriend
or something, this...
- Willow?
- No. No. She was...
- We were engaged.
- What?
We were, you know, close.
- And she took off on me.
- Yeah.
Sounds like she got kind of close
with someone else, too.
And she's got the nerve to contact you now? Shit.
I know. I know.
It's the fact that I'm a cop, I guess.
We need to be in that briefing in 10 minutes.
Okay.
- Hey. It's good to see you.
- Yeah.
- I mean, you're gonna blow this off, right?
- Well, I don't know what I'm gonna do.
Yeah, I'm pissed off at her.
Come on. You haven't seen this girl
in like, what, forever?
The kid's missing, Pete, okay?
I might be all she's got.
Tell her to contact the father.
- I'm just saying, Ed.
- I get it. I get it. I'm just...
Why don't you do a little digging
on her first? I mean, come on.
- Summersisle? Where the hell is that?
- Yeah.
This is all I could find.
It's privately owned out
in the Pacific Northwest.
Some sort of farming commune or whatever.
Yeah, like the Amish or something.
- Give her a call.
- I already tried that,
but guess what.
There's no phone service on Summersisle.
Summersisle.
Pete, it's me.
Hey, I'm glad I got your machine
'cause you'll probably laugh at me, but...
Hello?
Hello?
Ahoy there.
What was that?
I don't know what you're supposed to say.
Well, just go with hello.
Right. Hello.
You know anything about a place
called Summersisle?
Yes, I do. In fact, I make most
of the deliveries around there.
- Deliveries, huh?
- Yup, just about every day.
That's what I'm doing now.
What would I have to do to catch a ride with you?
Oh, no. I don't care to lose my contract
with these folks.
They're very particular.
All right, well then just drop me down
on the beach,
or whatever they have out there,
and I'll walk into town.
The answer's still no.
Come on, it's just a few miles.
I can practically swim that.
You better start swimming then.
- Why? What's the big deal?
- Because it's private.
It's off-limits. And we respect that.
We're all private people around here.
Yeah, but you're so warm and open,
it really makes up for it.
I'm just kidding.
Okay, look. How about you take all of us there?
What do you mean "all"?
Well, me, Mr Grant here,
and his twin brother, Ulysses.
Lost your bearings?
Oh, hey. Sorry. Snuck up on me there.
I don't think so.
- This is Summersisle, right?
- Yes.
- Then I'm in the right place.
- I'm afraid not. This is private property.
You can't land here without permission.
Listen, I completely understand,
but I was invited here.
I'm a cop.
- And what does that mean?
- A police officer.
I do what I can for people. Help them out.
Hey.
Now, a complaint has been made
by a resident of this island.
- A complaint, you say?
- Yes, ma'am, about a missing child.
Well, now, that's always trouble.
Yup, for everybody.
Perhaps you should take these matters up
with Sister Summersisle.
She's very particular about anyone landing here.
How did you land here, by the way?
- Was it the harbour pilot?
- He just...
Well.
He'll need a good talking-to.
What's in the bag, a shark or something?
Do you know her?
I don't recognise this child.
- Do you, Violet?
- No, can't say I do.
Just a tip there. It often helps
to actually glance at the photo.
So what are you telling me?
This girl isn't from the island?
Doesn't appear to be.
Her mother's name is Willow.
Sister Willow.
She quite slipped my mind.
Yes, we have a Willow here, all right.
Just up the way at the Meeting House.
What a coincidence.
Bit of a free spirit.
Your bag is dripping.
Go on. Take a peek.
That's not her daughter, though.
Must be ladies night.
Hi.
Are you the bar maiden here,
or whatever you call it?
I'm Sister Beech, yes.
And you're that officer from California.
That's right. Name's Malus. Edward Malus.
I'd just like a room and a meal.
- Can you swing it?
- Swing what?
Is that some kind of city talk?
Manage.
That's what he means,
can we manage to put him up.
Well, since he didn't take the hint and leave,
I suppose we'll have to.
For one night at least.
Welcome.
This is Mr Malus, an officer from the mainland.
- And this is...
- Willow.
Of course.
She'll show you upstairs.
There is an empty room on the top floor.
Think I'll have a drink first.
As long as I'm not intruding.
This here is mead.
It's one of the pleasures of our island.
A brew of honey, herbs and whatnot.
Thanks.
Yeah.
I think you ought to know...
I think you all should know
that I'm here on business.
This is official police business, and I wanna
speak to each one of you at some point.
Official California business, is it?
Because this is Washington.
- I'm aware of that.
- Then fine.
No, Mrs Beech, it is not fine.
It is anything but fine when a person is lost.
Especially a child.
Now, why would you go and do a thing like that?
Sorry, I'm allergic.
I am being watched.
But we must try to speak later in private.
There is a place out beyond the point.
Meet me there in an hour.
Edward, be careful
and believe nothing that you see or hear.
My God, to see your face again.
You know, traditionally the guy gets
his ring back when the fiancée runs away.
I still wear it.
Sort of.
I don't know what I would've done
if you hadn't come.
How could I not?
Easily.
You could've thought
I was a mad woman or something,
raving about my lost daughter.
They all do.
Look, I'm barely adjusted to the fact
that you have a daughter, okay?
So, let's go slow here.
So.
No. No.
That's the only way to start this.
What in the hell happened to you?
I didn't...
Look, it was a long time ago. We were young.
- So what?
- Well...
Why do we do anything in this life?
I need some kind of answer here.
Was it some other guy, or...
I mean, obviously you met someone, but...
Look, I was scared and...
I don't know, I wasn't ready for this,
so I ran back home.
It's quite a home, by the way.
This place.
We're different here.
I know that.
If you've grown up around it, it's one thing.
But it's...
Yes. Odd.
Anyway, my daughter is what matters to me now.
Rowan.
Why do this?
Stir this all up again? It's so...
Why don't you just get her dad to help you?
Because the only person I trust is you.
Even after all these years.
Edward, people will try to mislead you.
They will.
But you must trust me.
- I wanna help you, but...
- I know she has been taken.
By who, I don't know. I don't.
But my little girl is still here.
I promise you.
- If she's here, I'll find her.
- I know you will.
I'm gonna need to ask you some questions.
Okay.
I'll meet you again as soon as it's safe.
I have to go now.
Leave us.
Greetings, Sister Beech.
A lovely evening.
It is indeed.
Welcome, all.
Will Sister Summersisle bless us
with her presence?
I'm afraid not.
Enjoy the night.
Only make sure you're ready
for the day of tomorrow.
The time of death and rebirth.
Yes.
Of the Wicker Man's return.
Excuse me.
Did someone unpack my bag?
Because I'm missing some tapes.
- I wouldn't know about that.
- They're called Everything's OK!
Good.
Edward, I know that we haven't spoken
in a few years and things ended badly.
I ended them badly, to be more fair.
I didn't wanna hurt you any more than I did.
Now I must.
That's not her daughter, though.
- Did you get my doll?
- Yeah, I got it, honey.
It's a little banged up.
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan?
Hello?
Rowan?
Why do you have store-bought?
I thought you made the stuff here.
Look, I just serve what I'm handed.
If you don't like it,
you'll have to talk to Sister Beech. All right?
What's with this sister thing, anyway?
It's just our way.
We don't have any royal honey for you.
- None at all?
- No, not a drop.
Our crop was cursed last year.
I might find you a little bit of sugar.
All right.
Okay.
Mr Malus? Your sweetener.
Thanks.
What are these, festivals of some kind?
That's right. Our Harvest Festival.
We have one the end of each autumn.
And then the Festival of Fertility,
too, of course.
But that's too sacred.
No pictures can be taken of that.
What happened to last year's?
Afraid it got ruined last night.
Broke.
Hey.
I meant to ask you in there,
do you recognise this girl?
No?
Where's the other woman who works here?
She's gone up to the village school
with lunch for the day.
Where is that?
Up the hill and through the woods.
All right, perfect.
Look, I'm sorry.
What's happening here the day of tomorrow?
You mean the day after tomorrow?
That's kind of a strange way to put it.
Yeah. I suppose.
I thought the other was a local expression.
See, the day after tomorrow
would be May the second.
No, nothing as far as I know.
No, I mean tomorrow. What's happening here then?
I told you.
You did?
When you leave, will you take me with you?
Hi.
Good morning.
And, Daisy, will you tell us
what man represents in his purest form?
Yes.
Phallic symbol, phallic symbol.
School's really changed since I was a kid.
How dare you stand there
and frighten my children?
Sorry. I'm Edward Malus from California.
I'm a policeman. See my badge?
I was unaware any of my girls needed arresting.
They don't, no.
I'm just up here to find a missing girl
whom people are pretending doesn't exist.
How quixotic of you.
- Quixotic?
- From Don Quixote.
Pursuer of lofty but impractical ideals.
Usually a man.
Look, I just need to speak
to Willow Woodward. Is she here?
Already gone, I'm afraid. You're late.
And the law won't help you with that.
Girls, let me have your attention for a second.
As you might have heard, I'm here to verify
the whereabouts of a young girl.
- What's your name?
- Lily.
Lily, I'm Officer Ed. Hi.
Could you pass that around for me, sweetheart?
That is her name. Rowan Woodward.
Do any of you recognise the name
or the photograph?
There's your answer.
If she existed, we would know of her.
Now, will you please go?
Whose desk is this?
What the...
We trapped the little bird inside
to see how long he could stand it.
Now why in the hell would you let them
do a sick thing like that?
Where's the attendance record?
Do you have Sister Summersisle's authority?
No, I do not have...
You seem to forget that this is a legal matter...
Well, I'm afraid you still need her permission.
Put that back. Put that back.
Sorry, you're gonna have to bear with me.
You little liars.
Rowan Woodward is your classmate, isn't she?
Isn't she?
That is her desk.
And you're the biggest liar of them all.
I am warning you, you tell me another
and I'll arrest you myself.
- That is a promise, Miss...
- Rose. Sister Rose.
Of course. Another plant. Rose.
For the last time, where is this girl?
I'll speak to you outside.
Girls, continue with your compositions.
- Well?
- You don't understand.
That's exactly right. I do not understand.
- But I'm going to.
- Mr Malus, no one is lying to you.
I told you that if Rowan Woodward existed,
we would know of her.
If she existed? If?
But you cannot come barging into...
I just saw that she existed with my own two eyes.
And I suppose her mother
is lying to me, too, huh?
- She's lying?
- Not lying, no.
Grieving.
We all are.
Wait, wait, wait, wait.
When you say that she's grieving,
you mean that Rowan is... dead?
You would say so, yes.
- She's dead or she isn't.
- We never use that word here.
- No, that'd be too quixotic.
- Yes.
You see, we believe that after
the human life is over, the soul lives on
in air, in the trees, in animals, in fire, even.
All right, all right, just, come on.
Tell me what happened to her. Honestly.
- It was an accident.
- What kind of accident? How?
Mr Malus, it was an accident.
Leave things alone, please.
If that's true, where's her body?
Exactly where you would expect it to be.
In the earth.
In a churchyard?
Her mother insisted.
Now if you will excuse me,
I have to get back to my class.
Wait, Miss Rose... Sister Rose. Wait a minute.
How'd she die?
She'll burn to death.
What? What'd you just say?
Precisely what I meant to. She burnt to death.
Excuse me.
- Is there some church near here?
- Yeah.
Down the hill.
Hey, didn't I just speak with you,
Miss Rose... Sister Rose?
No, you didn't.
That's not Rowan's grave.
- All right.
- It isn't.
I know that this seems...
But they put it there. I didn't.
Who is "they"?
I don't know. Whoever's...
Whoever's doing this, trying... Trying to make...
It's not much now, but it used to be lovely.
That's what they say, anyway.
It was built before my ancestors came here.
That's the crypt, but it's all flooded.
It's a new lock.
Rowan is alive.
That's not what folks have been telling me.
I've heard that she doesn't exist,
she's buried out in that graveyard,
even that she's... She burnt to death.
The liars. They can't accept her or won't.
They seem to blame her for all...
Edward, I think they're gonna hurt her or even...
Why would they?
I'm trying to understand. I am.
But why?
I ran off once, tried to get away.
They think I'm too proud, or that I...
Sister Summersisle has never been
very fond of my wild ways.
Yeah, that name keeps coming up,
this Summersisle.
- Who is she?
- She's everything.
Everything you see, all of it, really, is her.
The rest of us, we live in her shadow.
Me, especially.
They're all saying I've lost it?
I haven't, Edward. I promise, I haven't. She's...
I can't let them do this to me.
Do what? What? What is it you're not telling me?
Forgive me.
Forgive you for...
I'm... I'm lost.
I don't know.
Don't worry, it's...
You know?
No. I don't know. I do not know
that our daughter's gonna be okay.
Now you know
what I've been trying to tell you. Why...
Why I need you to help me.
You're telling me I'm Rowan's father?
Yes.
It's not right.
You should've told me, Willow.
So, this is where you last saw Rowan?
Yeah?
Can you give me the details? It's important.
Yeah. The last time I saw her was...
She was sitting there at the desk.
Rowan loves to draw.
And swim. You know, she can swim like...
Swim, okay. So, you go out.
Right? You went out.
Only down to the market,
but for no more than a half hour.
- You get back and what?
- And she was gone.
Vanished.
And all her things,
her toys, books, everything...
- What was she wearing?
- A sweater I made her.
The one in the photo.
She had that on.
She dresses like every other child
on this island.
- You have any other photographs of her?
- No.
We didn't have many.
I mean, with only Dr Moss taking them.
Dr Moss.
And you're sure it's no way
it could be someone from off the island?
No. No it's...
They're very careful about who they allow here.
- Was Rowan depressed at all?
- I...
Have you seen what she's drawn
underneath her desk?
It's pretty disturbing.
Edward, I know that.
What are you doing?
The plane. I need its radio.
Wait for me.
Hello?
Hello!
Where is this guy?
Rowan!
Rowan!
God damn it!
You're persistent.
I'm on my way out,
but perhaps I can help in some way?
I need to ask a couple of questions.
It's quick.
Things are rarely quick. Come inside, then.
Thank you.
You're T. H. Moss, the photographer.
I'm first a physician,
second a photographer. A distant second.
Did you want your picture taken?
So, you take the Harvest Festival
photographs every year.
The ones I saw up at the tavern.
Yes, it's a rather humdrum affair, I'm afraid.
My mother passed the skill onto me,
as her mother before her.
Your mother. Of course.
- Do you have last year's photographs?
- Isn't it there with the others?
- No, no. Apparently it got destroyed.
- What a pity.
Do you have a copy?
I have the negative, of course, and I could
have one printed up for you, if you like.
That'd be great.
Thanks.
It's time, Sister. We must hurry.
"In societies as disparate as ancient Egypt
and pre-Columbian Incan,"
"fertility festivals were utilised
in much the same way."
"A younger woman was chosen
to personify Fertility"
"and then killed in a blood ritual
by the presiding priesthood."
"In turn, this gesture was thought to guarantee"
"a successful harvest for the coming year."
"In Europe and the Americas on the other hand,"
"the offering was often burnt."
Burnt?
Oh, my God.
"Rowan Woodward." Gosh.
"Worst harvest on record."
Hey.
What the hell is this?
It's... It's a picture.
- That's all.
- No, that is not all!
Why didn't you tell me Rowan
was a part of all this, huh, the rituals?
I don't know. I...
Well, try, because I'm out there
bouncing around in circles
and I can use a little help!
- Edward, why are you yelling at me?
- How about this for starters?
Our daughter is part
of your worst harvest on record.
Now, you said before that they blamed her.
So why didn't you tell me about this?
It's just... It's a ceremony that we have.
I don't know anything else.
You live here! You must know something.
You mentioned the ceremony. Define it.
What is the day of death and rebirth?
It's a story. That's all it is, a story.
Look, I'm trying to trust you here,
but every time I turn my head,
there's something that doesn't make any sense.
Well, I'm frightened of this place, too.
I was happy to leave here when I did,
even though I came back.
I wish I hadn't.
I wish that I stayed and made a life with you,
been with you all these years, but I didn't.
I came back here and had our child
and now she's...
Okay. All right, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to... It doesn't matter.
It doesn't matter.
We'll keep looking.
I'm gonna see this Summersisle lady right now.
We have to check everything
if we're going to find Rowan.
If?
- If we find her?
- No, when.
When we find her.
Let me give you a hand. Want some help?
Hey!
You Okay?
Can't you talk?
Whoa!
Keep your head down!
If she existed, we would know of her.
Now will you please go?
Rowan Woodward is your classmate, isn't she?
Isn't she?
Had a scare, didn't we?
You've been sleeping for several hours.
Where am I?
This is the home of Sister Summersisle.
Ivy.
Did you use my kit?
- The adrenaline shot, or...
- Oh, no. Nothing like that.
When they brought me to you,
you were near death. Clearly.
So I treated the danger in the old way.
You are alive. That's what's important.
I'm here to see Sister Summersisle.
Yes, she's out front now.
And she's been expecting you.
They nearly had you.
Excuse me?
Our little friends, the bees.
- They almost did you in.
- Yeah.
Pity.
Pity what? They nearly did or didn't?
Some of our keepers found you down
near the stables unconscious.
Yeah, beekeepers.
They seem to be everywhere on the island.
Oh, yes, it takes quite a few of them
to keep order around here.
I'm sure.
I can tell what she sees in you.
A kind of rough potential.
Thanks. I guess.
So, I hear you were expecting me.
Why's that?
Just a matter of time before you came here.
I believe you're looking for a child?
I might've found her.
- Excellent.
- Not exactly.
In a grave.
And I'd like your permission
to exhume the body, if one exists,
and have it removed for an autopsy.
You suspect foul play.
Yeah. Murder.
How perplexing for you.
In that case, you must carry on.
- You don't seem very concerned.
- No.
I suppose because I have confidence
that your suspicions are wrong.
We don't murder here.
Yeah. Well, even if a victim complies,
it's still murder.
Well, perhaps where you come from.
- But we have our own beliefs.
- Right, right, right.
The festivals.
All those offerings. To whom, exactly?
To the great Mother Goddess who rules this island
with me as her earthly representative.
You?
I'm the spiritual heart of this colony.
You honestly encourage this sort of worship?
Come on. It's so nice. Let's wander.
My Celtic ancestors all the way back
rebelled against the suppression of the feminine.
So, in the late 17th century,
they fled to the New World.
Unfortunately they settled near Salem.
So when they saw that
the persecution continued even here,
well, that started a long
and painful migration westward.
Until, in the 1850s,
my great-great-grandmother
led a group of people here
and vowed never to enter
into that other world again.
How's that possible? You can't just...
Those pioneers needed little urging to isolate.
They were looking for a simpler way of life.
'Course some do leave, like our Willow,
you know, to test themselves or us,
or to find a man.
But they always come home.
Eventually.
Men are what, second-class citizens?
No, not at all. We love our men.
We're just not subservient to them.
Men are a very important part
of our little colony.
Breeding, you know.
God.
Quite a little racket
you've got going for yourself here.
Breeding?
Sounds like inbreeding to me.
Please don't criticise
what you know nothing about.
Don't any of you wanna just
be with someone? Fall in love?
We procreate because
that's the desire of the goddess,
to assure ourselves of worthy offspring.
The strongest, the finest,
the most sturdy of our kind.
I see. Female. Right?
And what if someone just happens to have a boy?
What do you do then?
That depends.
Let me ask you one other thing,
'cause frankly I just don't get you.
I do not get this place.
Oh, you will. In time, perhaps.
Perhaps it is time for you
to stop bullshitting me, okay?
Now you be careful.
Especially when a little girl's life is at stake.
My little girl.
I'm sure you've guessed.
As a matter of fact, yes.
I'm only interested in the law, Sister.
And I need to remind you,
you are still within reach of the powers
of a normal society.
So if you whackos practise kidnapping
and ritualised murder, it is my job...
I believe I've mentioned our stand on murder.
Murder is murder.
Now, do I have permission to open the grave
of Rowan Woodward?
Oh, I was under the impression
that I'd already given it to you.
Your transport.
Well, it's just been fascinating to converse
with someone from a normal society.
Till we meet again.
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan!
Help!
Hey!
Help!
Help!
My daughter is what matters to me now.
Rowan.
I wish that I stayed and made a life with you.
But I didn't.
I came back here and had our child
and now she's...
- Well, who were they?
- Don't know.
Might never know.
Edward?
I'm down here.
Edward?
Yeah, somebody shut the lid.
- I'm coming.
- Oh, God.
Oh, God.
Willow. Look. Look at this.
She was here. She was down there.
Somebody's keeping her here.
I wanna show you something else. Come on.
This hers?
- Tell me!
- Yes, I think it... Yeah.
How'd it get burnt? How'd it get burnt?
How'd it get burnt?
I don't know!
- Where are you going?
- Back to her place.
- Then I'm coming with you.
- No, Willow! I mean it.
Look, maybe if we...
Why are you...
Why are you looking at me like that?
Something bad is about to happen. I can feel it.
Go to the house and lock yourself in.
I'll come back for you.
Go! Now!
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
Summersisle?
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
He's gone now.
Excellent.
What's with the feathers?
- We're all preparing.
- For what?
- Celebration?
- Oh, yes.
Of death and rebirth.
Sister Rose, she's only a child.
You're a teacher.
- Please, just think about what you're doing.
- The time for sentiment is over.
The moment has come.
I won't let her die.
So gallant, Sir Knight,
still tilting windmills, I see.
Right until the end.
Get Off the bike.
Get Off the bike.
Step away from the bike.
Take your stupid mask.
It is he.
I need your help. All of you.
Come on. Can't you hear me?
I said I need your help!
Don't be afraid.
No.
I'm looking for a missing girl.
Take that mask off your kid.
You wait a minute!
Do you have permission
to charge in here and just...
No! I don't need anybody's goddamn permission!
I'm gonna search every inch of this town
in the next three hours,
and anybody who interferes
will be brought up on murder charges.
You got that? You have my permission
to stay out of the fucking way!
Hey. Take those masks off.
- Hey.
- Stop it.
Come here.
- Go away!
- Don't.
Get out!
Rowan?
Rowan!
I trust you won't have to let your costume
out again this year, Sister.
Very soon, you'll be an entire family of bears.
Oh, I'll manage, Sister Oak.
It does seem to shrink a bit each year, however.
So, Sister, did you see
to that business at the harbour?
Oh, yes.
Just as you instructed.
NOW, I'll be Off.
Well, well.
You look a bit worse for wear, now, don't you?
Oh, Goddess of the Fields.
I bring this humble colony
before you on this day,
this most sacred of days.
Please accept our offering.
Hail, Goddess of the Fields.
Accept our offering.
That you will once again in the year to come
bestow on us the rich
and diverse fruits of thy realm.
God!
I thought I told you to wait for me.
What do you mean? I had to come.
And now, we fulfil our deepest purpose.
To balance the forces of dark and light.
Oh, good God.
What is it? What's wrong, Sister?
Don't be frightened.
Go.
My name is Edward. I'm gonna save you.
Come on, this way.
Hurry.
Over here.
Wait. Rowan. Rowan, wait. Wait.
Hello? Hello? Pete! Pete! Help us. Help! Please!
Please help.
Come on. Let's go.
Rowan, honey, slow down.
Rowan, slow down.
Rowan. Rowan, stop!
Did I do it right, Mommy?
- Did I?
- Yes, my love.
Oh, my little Rowan.
You did it excellently.
Don't touch her.
Do not touch her. Rowan, come back here.
Welcome, Mr Malus.
You have come of your own free will
to keep this appointment with the Wicker Man.
Stay back!
And now the game is over.
The game of the hunter leading the hunted.
You came to find our little Rowan.
But it is we who have found you,
just as we intended to do.
I don't understand.
Rowan was missing. I had to come. I had a letter.
Willow, tell them.
Willow, please tell them.
The letter was from all of us here.
Your invitation to visit, one might say.
You see, you were just the man we needed
and we were determined to get you here.
Notice, Sir Knight,
how we led you to believe
that your daughter would be sacrificed
due to the failure of the crops last year.
But they did fail. I saw the photo.
Yes, they failed all right, disastrously so.
One of the few times
since my ancestors moved here.
But we are always prepared
with a powerful sacrifice.
And that, my friend, is your destiny.
It is your destiny.
Back up!
What we require is a stranger,
yet one who is connected to us.
He is connected to us.
Connected by blood.
Willow...
Why have you done this to me?
We orchestrated all of this with the
greatest care, everything that's happened.
Be proud of yourself. You have done so well.
Yes. My daughter speaks the truth.
Your fate was sealed many years ago
when she chose to be with you.
Your daughter?
Yes.
My Willow.
This is a story whose chapters
were carefully written.
You have been chosen to die a martyr's death.
You will sit beside the gods and goddesses
for all of eternity.
Back up! I swear to God I will shoot you!
It is a great honour.
One that you cannot refuse.
It is ordained.
There is no way out.
Stay back!
You bitches!
You bitches!
This is murder!
And you're doing it for nothing!
Killing me won't bring back your goddamn honey!
But I know it Will.
Prepare the drone.
No, no, no!
Oh, God!
I'm not one of you!
I don't believe in your gods!
My legs! My legs!
Oh, God.
Oh, God.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
Oh, gods and goddesses of nature,
receive this sacrifice and be appeased.
Oh, gods and goddesses of nature,
receive this sacrifice and be appeased.
Rowan.
No. Rowan!
No, Rowan, don't! Put it down.
No! Put it down.
Rowan.
Put it down, honey.
Put it down.
Rowan, no. No.
No!
The drone must die!
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
- Nothing.
- Well, it's still early.
Yeah, but look around. I mean...
- Check it out.
- Hell, yeah. I think so.
- Well, hello there.
- Hi.
Hi.
We are so glad to see you guys here.
We thought it was,
like, lawyer night or something.
Yeah. There's, like,
hardly any normal people here.
You guys from around here?
I'm from out in the Valley, actually.
Nice.
Yeah.
So, do you wanna go to the bar
and get some drinks with me?
Yeah. Yeah, you bet. A couple of pitchers?
Let's go.
Hi.
Hi.
So, what do you do?
I'm over at the Police Academy.
I just graduated, actually.
- That's so cool.
- Yeah, it's all right.
You know, I like to help people.
- Can I ask you a question?
- Yeah.
When you leave here, where are you going?
Home. To my apartment.
When you do, will you take me with you?
---
- Thanks, hon.
- You got it.
- Boo.
- Hey.
Sorry. My mind was wandering.
Totally understand.
If I just ate one of them burgers,
I'd be in a trance, too.
So where's your friend?
Honey,
your salad's up.
Give me your driver's licence and registration.
- You know why I stopped you?
- Yeah.
- Afternoon.
- Afternoon, sir. Hello.
Sorry about the...
We're just in the middle of moving and I...
I'm sorry.
- Did you get my doll?
- Sweetie, hush.
It's okay. I've got it, honey.
It's a little banged up.
Anyway, sorry again.
Ever since lunch she's been acting out.
I'm bored.
Well, I know what that's like.
But we need to be careful with our things,
don't we,
so everyone else can be safe, too, right?
We won't let it happen again, sir.
Great. Thanks a lot.
Honey, stop that.
I'm so sorry. She's belted in, but...
Don't worry. It comes with the territory.
I'll get it.
Whoa!
Keep your head down!
Give me your hand!
Give me your hand!
- Hey.
- Hey.
So...
That about sums it up.
I heard about your commendation. That's great.
Thanks.
Guys down at the station are saying
you might resign or something.
Is that true?
My dad would kill me.
Here. Pete made me bring them over.
"Get well soon" stuff.
I guess it just keeps coming in, so...
- Well, you wanna sit down, or...
- Yeah, I will.
This stuff helping you?
Some.
You don't have to stay.
I don't really need visitors.
No, I'm fine.
So, are you gonna shoot for detective now
or what?
Just need a little time off.
So, they still never found the bodies
from that car, right?
No.
That car wasn't even registered,
if you can believe that.
- Well, who were they?
- Don't know.
Might never know.
Edward, I know that we haven't spoken
in a few years and things ended badly.
I ended them badly, to be more fair.
I didn't wanna hurt you any more than I did.
Now I must.
To the point.
I have a daughter.
She is a perfect child and her name is Rowan.
She has been missing for two weeks now,
and I need your help.
I should explain.
I live on Summersisle,
a tiny place in Puget Sound.
I doubt you've heard of it.
It is where I grew up.
Do you remember how you always used to ask me?
Now you know.
Rowan couldn't have left the island by herself.
She's too young.
I have tried to find her on my own,
but am receiving little help
from the community.
I fear she is in danger, so now I turn to you.
I pray that you'll forgive me.
Yours fondly, Willow Woodward.
Hello.
Hello?
- Ed, how's it going?
- Good, thank you.
- Hi.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Hey, how you doing?
- Better.
- Are you back?
No, not for a couple of weeks.
Listen, you didn't see this one
come in by any chance?
- No. Why?
- Because no stamp.
Read it.
Wow.
The plot thickens.
- Didn't even know you had a plot.
- No kidding.
So, is this, like, some old girlfriend
or something, this...
- Willow?
- No. No. She was...
- We were engaged.
- What?
We were, you know, close.
- And she took off on me.
- Yeah.
Sounds like she got kind of close
with someone else, too.
And she's got the nerve to contact you now? Shit.
I know. I know.
It's the fact that I'm a cop, I guess.
We need to be in that briefing in 10 minutes.
Okay.
- Hey. It's good to see you.
- Yeah.
- I mean, you're gonna blow this off, right?
- Well, I don't know what I'm gonna do.
Yeah, I'm pissed off at her.
Come on. You haven't seen this girl
in like, what, forever?
The kid's missing, Pete, okay?
I might be all she's got.
Tell her to contact the father.
- I'm just saying, Ed.
- I get it. I get it. I'm just...
Why don't you do a little digging
on her first? I mean, come on.
- Summersisle? Where the hell is that?
- Yeah.
This is all I could find.
It's privately owned out
in the Pacific Northwest.
Some sort of farming commune or whatever.
Yeah, like the Amish or something.
- Give her a call.
- I already tried that,
but guess what.
There's no phone service on Summersisle.
Summersisle.
Pete, it's me.
Hey, I'm glad I got your machine
'cause you'll probably laugh at me, but...
Hello?
Hello?
Ahoy there.
What was that?
I don't know what you're supposed to say.
Well, just go with hello.
Right. Hello.
You know anything about a place
called Summersisle?
Yes, I do. In fact, I make most
of the deliveries around there.
- Deliveries, huh?
- Yup, just about every day.
That's what I'm doing now.
What would I have to do to catch a ride with you?
Oh, no. I don't care to lose my contract
with these folks.
They're very particular.
All right, well then just drop me down
on the beach,
or whatever they have out there,
and I'll walk into town.
The answer's still no.
Come on, it's just a few miles.
I can practically swim that.
You better start swimming then.
- Why? What's the big deal?
- Because it's private.
It's off-limits. And we respect that.
We're all private people around here.
Yeah, but you're so warm and open,
it really makes up for it.
I'm just kidding.
Okay, look. How about you take all of us there?
What do you mean "all"?
Well, me, Mr Grant here,
and his twin brother, Ulysses.
Lost your bearings?
Oh, hey. Sorry. Snuck up on me there.
I don't think so.
- This is Summersisle, right?
- Yes.
- Then I'm in the right place.
- I'm afraid not. This is private property.
You can't land here without permission.
Listen, I completely understand,
but I was invited here.
I'm a cop.
- And what does that mean?
- A police officer.
I do what I can for people. Help them out.
Hey.
Now, a complaint has been made
by a resident of this island.
- A complaint, you say?
- Yes, ma'am, about a missing child.
Well, now, that's always trouble.
Yup, for everybody.
Perhaps you should take these matters up
with Sister Summersisle.
She's very particular about anyone landing here.
How did you land here, by the way?
- Was it the harbour pilot?
- He just...
Well.
He'll need a good talking-to.
What's in the bag, a shark or something?
Do you know her?
I don't recognise this child.
- Do you, Violet?
- No, can't say I do.
Just a tip there. It often helps
to actually glance at the photo.
So what are you telling me?
This girl isn't from the island?
Doesn't appear to be.
Her mother's name is Willow.
Sister Willow.
She quite slipped my mind.
Yes, we have a Willow here, all right.
Just up the way at the Meeting House.
What a coincidence.
Bit of a free spirit.
Your bag is dripping.
Go on. Take a peek.
That's not her daughter, though.
Must be ladies night.
Hi.
Are you the bar maiden here,
or whatever you call it?
I'm Sister Beech, yes.
And you're that officer from California.
That's right. Name's Malus. Edward Malus.
I'd just like a room and a meal.
- Can you swing it?
- Swing what?
Is that some kind of city talk?
Manage.
That's what he means,
can we manage to put him up.
Well, since he didn't take the hint and leave,
I suppose we'll have to.
For one night at least.
Welcome.
This is Mr Malus, an officer from the mainland.
- And this is...
- Willow.
Of course.
She'll show you upstairs.
There is an empty room on the top floor.
Think I'll have a drink first.
As long as I'm not intruding.
This here is mead.
It's one of the pleasures of our island.
A brew of honey, herbs and whatnot.
Thanks.
Yeah.
I think you ought to know...
I think you all should know
that I'm here on business.
This is official police business, and I wanna
speak to each one of you at some point.
Official California business, is it?
Because this is Washington.
- I'm aware of that.
- Then fine.
No, Mrs Beech, it is not fine.
It is anything but fine when a person is lost.
Especially a child.
Now, why would you go and do a thing like that?
Sorry, I'm allergic.
I am being watched.
But we must try to speak later in private.
There is a place out beyond the point.
Meet me there in an hour.
Edward, be careful
and believe nothing that you see or hear.
My God, to see your face again.
You know, traditionally the guy gets
his ring back when the fiancée runs away.
I still wear it.
Sort of.
I don't know what I would've done
if you hadn't come.
How could I not?
Easily.
You could've thought
I was a mad woman or something,
raving about my lost daughter.
They all do.
Look, I'm barely adjusted to the fact
that you have a daughter, okay?
So, let's go slow here.
So.
No. No.
That's the only way to start this.
What in the hell happened to you?
I didn't...
Look, it was a long time ago. We were young.
- So what?
- Well...
Why do we do anything in this life?
I need some kind of answer here.
Was it some other guy, or...
I mean, obviously you met someone, but...
Look, I was scared and...
I don't know, I wasn't ready for this,
so I ran back home.
It's quite a home, by the way.
This place.
We're different here.
I know that.
If you've grown up around it, it's one thing.
But it's...
Yes. Odd.
Anyway, my daughter is what matters to me now.
Rowan.
Why do this?
Stir this all up again? It's so...
Why don't you just get her dad to help you?
Because the only person I trust is you.
Even after all these years.
Edward, people will try to mislead you.
They will.
But you must trust me.
- I wanna help you, but...
- I know she has been taken.
By who, I don't know. I don't.
But my little girl is still here.
I promise you.
- If she's here, I'll find her.
- I know you will.
I'm gonna need to ask you some questions.
Okay.
I'll meet you again as soon as it's safe.
I have to go now.
Leave us.
Greetings, Sister Beech.
A lovely evening.
It is indeed.
Welcome, all.
Will Sister Summersisle bless us
with her presence?
I'm afraid not.
Enjoy the night.
Only make sure you're ready
for the day of tomorrow.
The time of death and rebirth.
Yes.
Of the Wicker Man's return.
Excuse me.
Did someone unpack my bag?
Because I'm missing some tapes.
- I wouldn't know about that.
- They're called Everything's OK!
Good.
Edward, I know that we haven't spoken
in a few years and things ended badly.
I ended them badly, to be more fair.
I didn't wanna hurt you any more than I did.
Now I must.
That's not her daughter, though.
- Did you get my doll?
- Yeah, I got it, honey.
It's a little banged up.
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan?
Hello?
Rowan?
Why do you have store-bought?
I thought you made the stuff here.
Look, I just serve what I'm handed.
If you don't like it,
you'll have to talk to Sister Beech. All right?
What's with this sister thing, anyway?
It's just our way.
We don't have any royal honey for you.
- None at all?
- No, not a drop.
Our crop was cursed last year.
I might find you a little bit of sugar.
All right.
Okay.
Mr Malus? Your sweetener.
Thanks.
What are these, festivals of some kind?
That's right. Our Harvest Festival.
We have one the end of each autumn.
And then the Festival of Fertility,
too, of course.
But that's too sacred.
No pictures can be taken of that.
What happened to last year's?
Afraid it got ruined last night.
Broke.
Hey.
I meant to ask you in there,
do you recognise this girl?
No?
Where's the other woman who works here?
She's gone up to the village school
with lunch for the day.
Where is that?
Up the hill and through the woods.
All right, perfect.
Look, I'm sorry.
What's happening here the day of tomorrow?
You mean the day after tomorrow?
That's kind of a strange way to put it.
Yeah. I suppose.
I thought the other was a local expression.
See, the day after tomorrow
would be May the second.
No, nothing as far as I know.
No, I mean tomorrow. What's happening here then?
I told you.
You did?
When you leave, will you take me with you?
Hi.
Good morning.
And, Daisy, will you tell us
what man represents in his purest form?
Yes.
Phallic symbol, phallic symbol.
School's really changed since I was a kid.
How dare you stand there
and frighten my children?
Sorry. I'm Edward Malus from California.
I'm a policeman. See my badge?
I was unaware any of my girls needed arresting.
They don't, no.
I'm just up here to find a missing girl
whom people are pretending doesn't exist.
How quixotic of you.
- Quixotic?
- From Don Quixote.
Pursuer of lofty but impractical ideals.
Usually a man.
Look, I just need to speak
to Willow Woodward. Is she here?
Already gone, I'm afraid. You're late.
And the law won't help you with that.
Girls, let me have your attention for a second.
As you might have heard, I'm here to verify
the whereabouts of a young girl.
- What's your name?
- Lily.
Lily, I'm Officer Ed. Hi.
Could you pass that around for me, sweetheart?
That is her name. Rowan Woodward.
Do any of you recognise the name
or the photograph?
There's your answer.
If she existed, we would know of her.
Now, will you please go?
Whose desk is this?
What the...
We trapped the little bird inside
to see how long he could stand it.
Now why in the hell would you let them
do a sick thing like that?
Where's the attendance record?
Do you have Sister Summersisle's authority?
No, I do not have...
You seem to forget that this is a legal matter...
Well, I'm afraid you still need her permission.
Put that back. Put that back.
Sorry, you're gonna have to bear with me.
You little liars.
Rowan Woodward is your classmate, isn't she?
Isn't she?
That is her desk.
And you're the biggest liar of them all.
I am warning you, you tell me another
and I'll arrest you myself.
- That is a promise, Miss...
- Rose. Sister Rose.
Of course. Another plant. Rose.
For the last time, where is this girl?
I'll speak to you outside.
Girls, continue with your compositions.
- Well?
- You don't understand.
That's exactly right. I do not understand.
- But I'm going to.
- Mr Malus, no one is lying to you.
I told you that if Rowan Woodward existed,
we would know of her.
If she existed? If?
But you cannot come barging into...
I just saw that she existed with my own two eyes.
And I suppose her mother
is lying to me, too, huh?
- She's lying?
- Not lying, no.
Grieving.
We all are.
Wait, wait, wait, wait.
When you say that she's grieving,
you mean that Rowan is... dead?
You would say so, yes.
- She's dead or she isn't.
- We never use that word here.
- No, that'd be too quixotic.
- Yes.
You see, we believe that after
the human life is over, the soul lives on
in air, in the trees, in animals, in fire, even.
All right, all right, just, come on.
Tell me what happened to her. Honestly.
- It was an accident.
- What kind of accident? How?
Mr Malus, it was an accident.
Leave things alone, please.
If that's true, where's her body?
Exactly where you would expect it to be.
In the earth.
In a churchyard?
Her mother insisted.
Now if you will excuse me,
I have to get back to my class.
Wait, Miss Rose... Sister Rose. Wait a minute.
How'd she die?
She'll burn to death.
What? What'd you just say?
Precisely what I meant to. She burnt to death.
Excuse me.
- Is there some church near here?
- Yeah.
Down the hill.
Hey, didn't I just speak with you,
Miss Rose... Sister Rose?
No, you didn't.
That's not Rowan's grave.
- All right.
- It isn't.
I know that this seems...
But they put it there. I didn't.
Who is "they"?
I don't know. Whoever's...
Whoever's doing this, trying... Trying to make...
It's not much now, but it used to be lovely.
That's what they say, anyway.
It was built before my ancestors came here.
That's the crypt, but it's all flooded.
It's a new lock.
Rowan is alive.
That's not what folks have been telling me.
I've heard that she doesn't exist,
she's buried out in that graveyard,
even that she's... She burnt to death.
The liars. They can't accept her or won't.
They seem to blame her for all...
Edward, I think they're gonna hurt her or even...
Why would they?
I'm trying to understand. I am.
But why?
I ran off once, tried to get away.
They think I'm too proud, or that I...
Sister Summersisle has never been
very fond of my wild ways.
Yeah, that name keeps coming up,
this Summersisle.
- Who is she?
- She's everything.
Everything you see, all of it, really, is her.
The rest of us, we live in her shadow.
Me, especially.
They're all saying I've lost it?
I haven't, Edward. I promise, I haven't. She's...
I can't let them do this to me.
Do what? What? What is it you're not telling me?
Forgive me.
Forgive you for...
I'm... I'm lost.
I don't know.
Don't worry, it's...
You know?
No. I don't know. I do not know
that our daughter's gonna be okay.
Now you know
what I've been trying to tell you. Why...
Why I need you to help me.
You're telling me I'm Rowan's father?
Yes.
It's not right.
You should've told me, Willow.
So, this is where you last saw Rowan?
Yeah?
Can you give me the details? It's important.
Yeah. The last time I saw her was...
She was sitting there at the desk.
Rowan loves to draw.
And swim. You know, she can swim like...
Swim, okay. So, you go out.
Right? You went out.
Only down to the market,
but for no more than a half hour.
- You get back and what?
- And she was gone.
Vanished.
And all her things,
her toys, books, everything...
- What was she wearing?
- A sweater I made her.
The one in the photo.
She had that on.
She dresses like every other child
on this island.
- You have any other photographs of her?
- No.
We didn't have many.
I mean, with only Dr Moss taking them.
Dr Moss.
And you're sure it's no way
it could be someone from off the island?
No. No it's...
They're very careful about who they allow here.
- Was Rowan depressed at all?
- I...
Have you seen what she's drawn
underneath her desk?
It's pretty disturbing.
Edward, I know that.
What are you doing?
The plane. I need its radio.
Wait for me.
Hello?
Hello!
Where is this guy?
Rowan!
Rowan!
God damn it!
You're persistent.
I'm on my way out,
but perhaps I can help in some way?
I need to ask a couple of questions.
It's quick.
Things are rarely quick. Come inside, then.
Thank you.
You're T. H. Moss, the photographer.
I'm first a physician,
second a photographer. A distant second.
Did you want your picture taken?
So, you take the Harvest Festival
photographs every year.
The ones I saw up at the tavern.
Yes, it's a rather humdrum affair, I'm afraid.
My mother passed the skill onto me,
as her mother before her.
Your mother. Of course.
- Do you have last year's photographs?
- Isn't it there with the others?
- No, no. Apparently it got destroyed.
- What a pity.
Do you have a copy?
I have the negative, of course, and I could
have one printed up for you, if you like.
That'd be great.
Thanks.
It's time, Sister. We must hurry.
"In societies as disparate as ancient Egypt
and pre-Columbian Incan,"
"fertility festivals were utilised
in much the same way."
"A younger woman was chosen
to personify Fertility"
"and then killed in a blood ritual
by the presiding priesthood."
"In turn, this gesture was thought to guarantee"
"a successful harvest for the coming year."
"In Europe and the Americas on the other hand,"
"the offering was often burnt."
Burnt?
Oh, my God.
"Rowan Woodward." Gosh.
"Worst harvest on record."
Hey.
What the hell is this?
It's... It's a picture.
- That's all.
- No, that is not all!
Why didn't you tell me Rowan
was a part of all this, huh, the rituals?
I don't know. I...
Well, try, because I'm out there
bouncing around in circles
and I can use a little help!
- Edward, why are you yelling at me?
- How about this for starters?
Our daughter is part
of your worst harvest on record.
Now, you said before that they blamed her.
So why didn't you tell me about this?
It's just... It's a ceremony that we have.
I don't know anything else.
You live here! You must know something.
You mentioned the ceremony. Define it.
What is the day of death and rebirth?
It's a story. That's all it is, a story.
Look, I'm trying to trust you here,
but every time I turn my head,
there's something that doesn't make any sense.
Well, I'm frightened of this place, too.
I was happy to leave here when I did,
even though I came back.
I wish I hadn't.
I wish that I stayed and made a life with you,
been with you all these years, but I didn't.
I came back here and had our child
and now she's...
Okay. All right, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to... It doesn't matter.
It doesn't matter.
We'll keep looking.
I'm gonna see this Summersisle lady right now.
We have to check everything
if we're going to find Rowan.
If?
- If we find her?
- No, when.
When we find her.
Let me give you a hand. Want some help?
Hey!
You Okay?
Can't you talk?
Whoa!
Keep your head down!
If she existed, we would know of her.
Now will you please go?
Rowan Woodward is your classmate, isn't she?
Isn't she?
Had a scare, didn't we?
You've been sleeping for several hours.
Where am I?
This is the home of Sister Summersisle.
Ivy.
Did you use my kit?
- The adrenaline shot, or...
- Oh, no. Nothing like that.
When they brought me to you,
you were near death. Clearly.
So I treated the danger in the old way.
You are alive. That's what's important.
I'm here to see Sister Summersisle.
Yes, she's out front now.
And she's been expecting you.
They nearly had you.
Excuse me?
Our little friends, the bees.
- They almost did you in.
- Yeah.
Pity.
Pity what? They nearly did or didn't?
Some of our keepers found you down
near the stables unconscious.
Yeah, beekeepers.
They seem to be everywhere on the island.
Oh, yes, it takes quite a few of them
to keep order around here.
I'm sure.
I can tell what she sees in you.
A kind of rough potential.
Thanks. I guess.
So, I hear you were expecting me.
Why's that?
Just a matter of time before you came here.
I believe you're looking for a child?
I might've found her.
- Excellent.
- Not exactly.
In a grave.
And I'd like your permission
to exhume the body, if one exists,
and have it removed for an autopsy.
You suspect foul play.
Yeah. Murder.
How perplexing for you.
In that case, you must carry on.
- You don't seem very concerned.
- No.
I suppose because I have confidence
that your suspicions are wrong.
We don't murder here.
Yeah. Well, even if a victim complies,
it's still murder.
Well, perhaps where you come from.
- But we have our own beliefs.
- Right, right, right.
The festivals.
All those offerings. To whom, exactly?
To the great Mother Goddess who rules this island
with me as her earthly representative.
You?
I'm the spiritual heart of this colony.
You honestly encourage this sort of worship?
Come on. It's so nice. Let's wander.
My Celtic ancestors all the way back
rebelled against the suppression of the feminine.
So, in the late 17th century,
they fled to the New World.
Unfortunately they settled near Salem.
So when they saw that
the persecution continued even here,
well, that started a long
and painful migration westward.
Until, in the 1850s,
my great-great-grandmother
led a group of people here
and vowed never to enter
into that other world again.
How's that possible? You can't just...
Those pioneers needed little urging to isolate.
They were looking for a simpler way of life.
'Course some do leave, like our Willow,
you know, to test themselves or us,
or to find a man.
But they always come home.
Eventually.
Men are what, second-class citizens?
No, not at all. We love our men.
We're just not subservient to them.
Men are a very important part
of our little colony.
Breeding, you know.
God.
Quite a little racket
you've got going for yourself here.
Breeding?
Sounds like inbreeding to me.
Please don't criticise
what you know nothing about.
Don't any of you wanna just
be with someone? Fall in love?
We procreate because
that's the desire of the goddess,
to assure ourselves of worthy offspring.
The strongest, the finest,
the most sturdy of our kind.
I see. Female. Right?
And what if someone just happens to have a boy?
What do you do then?
That depends.
Let me ask you one other thing,
'cause frankly I just don't get you.
I do not get this place.
Oh, you will. In time, perhaps.
Perhaps it is time for you
to stop bullshitting me, okay?
Now you be careful.
Especially when a little girl's life is at stake.
My little girl.
I'm sure you've guessed.
As a matter of fact, yes.
I'm only interested in the law, Sister.
And I need to remind you,
you are still within reach of the powers
of a normal society.
So if you whackos practise kidnapping
and ritualised murder, it is my job...
I believe I've mentioned our stand on murder.
Murder is murder.
Now, do I have permission to open the grave
of Rowan Woodward?
Oh, I was under the impression
that I'd already given it to you.
Your transport.
Well, it's just been fascinating to converse
with someone from a normal society.
Till we meet again.
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan?
Rowan!
Help!
Hey!
Help!
Help!
My daughter is what matters to me now.
Rowan.
I wish that I stayed and made a life with you.
But I didn't.
I came back here and had our child
and now she's...
- Well, who were they?
- Don't know.
Might never know.
Edward?
I'm down here.
Edward?
Yeah, somebody shut the lid.
- I'm coming.
- Oh, God.
Oh, God.
Willow. Look. Look at this.
She was here. She was down there.
Somebody's keeping her here.
I wanna show you something else. Come on.
This hers?
- Tell me!
- Yes, I think it... Yeah.
How'd it get burnt? How'd it get burnt?
How'd it get burnt?
I don't know!
- Where are you going?
- Back to her place.
- Then I'm coming with you.
- No, Willow! I mean it.
Look, maybe if we...
Why are you...
Why are you looking at me like that?
Something bad is about to happen. I can feel it.
Go to the house and lock yourself in.
I'll come back for you.
Go! Now!
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
Summersisle?
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
Summersisle!
He's gone now.
Excellent.
What's with the feathers?
- We're all preparing.
- For what?
- Celebration?
- Oh, yes.
Of death and rebirth.
Sister Rose, she's only a child.
You're a teacher.
- Please, just think about what you're doing.
- The time for sentiment is over.
The moment has come.
I won't let her die.
So gallant, Sir Knight,
still tilting windmills, I see.
Right until the end.
Get Off the bike.
Get Off the bike.
Step away from the bike.
Take your stupid mask.
It is he.
I need your help. All of you.
Come on. Can't you hear me?
I said I need your help!
Don't be afraid.
No.
I'm looking for a missing girl.
Take that mask off your kid.
You wait a minute!
Do you have permission
to charge in here and just...
No! I don't need anybody's goddamn permission!
I'm gonna search every inch of this town
in the next three hours,
and anybody who interferes
will be brought up on murder charges.
You got that? You have my permission
to stay out of the fucking way!
Hey. Take those masks off.
- Hey.
- Stop it.
Come here.
- Go away!
- Don't.
Get out!
Rowan?
Rowan!
I trust you won't have to let your costume
out again this year, Sister.
Very soon, you'll be an entire family of bears.
Oh, I'll manage, Sister Oak.
It does seem to shrink a bit each year, however.
So, Sister, did you see
to that business at the harbour?
Oh, yes.
Just as you instructed.
NOW, I'll be Off.
Well, well.
You look a bit worse for wear, now, don't you?
Oh, Goddess of the Fields.
I bring this humble colony
before you on this day,
this most sacred of days.
Please accept our offering.
Hail, Goddess of the Fields.
Accept our offering.
That you will once again in the year to come
bestow on us the rich
and diverse fruits of thy realm.
God!
I thought I told you to wait for me.
What do you mean? I had to come.
And now, we fulfil our deepest purpose.
To balance the forces of dark and light.
Oh, good God.
What is it? What's wrong, Sister?
Don't be frightened.
Go.
My name is Edward. I'm gonna save you.
Come on, this way.
Hurry.
Over here.
Wait. Rowan. Rowan, wait. Wait.
Hello? Hello? Pete! Pete! Help us. Help! Please!
Please help.
Come on. Let's go.
Rowan, honey, slow down.
Rowan, slow down.
Rowan. Rowan, stop!
Did I do it right, Mommy?
- Did I?
- Yes, my love.
Oh, my little Rowan.
You did it excellently.
Don't touch her.
Do not touch her. Rowan, come back here.
Welcome, Mr Malus.
You have come of your own free will
to keep this appointment with the Wicker Man.
Stay back!
And now the game is over.
The game of the hunter leading the hunted.
You came to find our little Rowan.
But it is we who have found you,
just as we intended to do.
I don't understand.
Rowan was missing. I had to come. I had a letter.
Willow, tell them.
Willow, please tell them.
The letter was from all of us here.
Your invitation to visit, one might say.
You see, you were just the man we needed
and we were determined to get you here.
Notice, Sir Knight,
how we led you to believe
that your daughter would be sacrificed
due to the failure of the crops last year.
But they did fail. I saw the photo.
Yes, they failed all right, disastrously so.
One of the few times
since my ancestors moved here.
But we are always prepared
with a powerful sacrifice.
And that, my friend, is your destiny.
It is your destiny.
Back up!
What we require is a stranger,
yet one who is connected to us.
He is connected to us.
Connected by blood.
Willow...
Why have you done this to me?
We orchestrated all of this with the
greatest care, everything that's happened.
Be proud of yourself. You have done so well.
Yes. My daughter speaks the truth.
Your fate was sealed many years ago
when she chose to be with you.
Your daughter?
Yes.
My Willow.
This is a story whose chapters
were carefully written.
You have been chosen to die a martyr's death.
You will sit beside the gods and goddesses
for all of eternity.
Back up! I swear to God I will shoot you!
It is a great honour.
One that you cannot refuse.
It is ordained.
There is no way out.
Stay back!
You bitches!
You bitches!
This is murder!
And you're doing it for nothing!
Killing me won't bring back your goddamn honey!
But I know it Will.
Prepare the drone.
No, no, no!
Oh, God!
I'm not one of you!
I don't believe in your gods!
My legs! My legs!
Oh, God.
Oh, God.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
Oh, gods and goddesses of nature,
receive this sacrifice and be appeased.
Oh, gods and goddesses of nature,
receive this sacrifice and be appeased.
Rowan.
No. Rowan!
No, Rowan, don't! Put it down.
No! Put it down.
Rowan.
Put it down, honey.
Put it down.
Rowan, no. No.
No!
The drone must die!
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
The drone must die.
- Nothing.
- Well, it's still early.
Yeah, but look around. I mean...
- Check it out.
- Hell, yeah. I think so.
- Well, hello there.
- Hi.
Hi.
We are so glad to see you guys here.
We thought it was,
like, lawyer night or something.
Yeah. There's, like,
hardly any normal people here.
You guys from around here?
I'm from out in the Valley, actually.
Nice.
Yeah.
So, do you wanna go to the bar
and get some drinks with me?
Yeah. Yeah, you bet. A couple of pitchers?
Let's go.
Hi.
Hi.
So, what do you do?
I'm over at the Police Academy.
I just graduated, actually.
- That's so cool.
- Yeah, it's all right.
You know, I like to help people.
- Can I ask you a question?
- Yeah.
When you leave here, where are you going?
Home. To my apartment.
When you do, will you take me with you?