Olivia Colman commissions Alexander Skarsgård as the perfect wicker husband in an unusual new romantic comedy from Black Bear.
Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård are getting wrapped up in one of the strangest romances of the year. Black Bear has revealed new details for Wicker, an audacious comedic fable about sex, marriage, and social convention.
The film centers on an ostracized fisherwoman played by Colman. Tired of life alone, she commissions the village basketmaker to build her a husband.
Peter Dinklage plays the craftsman responsible for fulfilling her unusual request. What arrives is far more impressive than anyone expected.
Skarsgård plays the resulting wicker husband, who possesses a soulful personality and some surprisingly powerful romantic abilities. His arrival quickly transforms the fisherwoman’s life and sends shockwaves throughout her small village.
Jealousy, fascination, desire, and social chaos begin spreading through the community. The unconventional relationship ultimately challenges everything the villagers believe about love and marriage.
Wicker Turns an Unusual Love Story Into Social Satire
Wicker was adapted from Ursula Wills’ acclaimed short story, “The Wicker Husband.” Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson adapted the screenplay and directed the film together.
The filmmakers previously collaborated on the science-fiction comedy Save Yourselves! Their latest project uses an absurd romantic premise to explore expectations surrounding relationships, intimacy, and social acceptance.
That unusual combination helped the film generate strong reactions following its Sundance premiere.
Wicker reportedly earned rave reviews and two standing ovations during the festival. The movie also features an impressive supporting cast led by Elizabeth Debicki and Dinklage.
Colman previously won an Academy Award for The Favourite. Skarsgård earned a Golden Globe for his work on Big Little Lies, while Debicki and Dinklage are both Emmy Award winners.
Alexander Skarsgård Becomes a Practical Wicker Creation
Skarsgård’s transformation into the title character relied heavily on practical craftsmanship. The wicker husband was created using a fully practical suit rather than relying entirely on visual effects.
Joe Dunckley created the elaborate design alongside the artists at Wētā Workshop. The acclaimed effects company previously worked on Avatar and The Lord of the Rings franchise.
That practical approach gives the film’s unusual central character a physical presence within its strange world.
The production also assembled an accomplished creative team behind the camera. Academy Award winner Lol Crawley served as cinematographer following his work on The Brutalist.
Production designer Renátó Cseh previously worked on Poor Things. Tóth András Dániel and Attila Godena-Juhász created the film’s costumes, while Anna Meredith composed the score.
The combined craftsmanship should make Wicker one of the year’s most visually distinctive releases.
When Does Wicker Come Out?
Black Bear will release Wicker in limited theaters on October 23, 2026. The film will then expand nationwide on October 30, 2026.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
