‘Wicker’: A Strange, Sensual, and Sweet Romance
You might be forgiven if you assumed that the film Wicker was based on a recent romance novel, given that it centers on a relationship between a woman and a man made of wicker and stories like this have become rather popular in the genre over the past few years. You might also be forgiven if you thought it was inspired by an obscure folk tale given its setting and style. But the truth is that Wicker is based on a short story from 2008 by Ursula Wills-Jones. It feels like good timing for it to get the big screen treatment here in 2026 given that people are much more willing to accept weirdness in the romance genre than they were even a few years ago. The internet has been buzzing about this film since the first trailer dropped, with its more salacious aspects particularly sparking curiosity in moviegoers. But while this is what’s likely to put butts in seats, the truth is that Wicker is a heartwarming exploration of romantic relationships with far more charm, laughs, and swoon-worthy moments than one might expect.
A lonely fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) is the outcast of the village she lives in. She is frequently ridiculed for smelling bad and her attitudes toward marriage. Tired of being mocked, she commissions a local basket weaver (Peter Dinklage) to make her a husband. When she is presented with the husband (Alexander Skarsgård), she finds that he is everything she could have dreamed of and more. The two fall in love, which causes a ripple effect through the village that shakes everything up.
Based on the film’s trailers, the film looks to be more about the sexual relationship between The Fisherwoman and The Wicker Husband (it should be noted that the characters in this film don’t have names and are credited by their professions). While that is certainly a component of the film, especially in the first act, it grows into a surprisingly tender, often humorous exploration of romantic relationships and true love. I get why the marketing is focusing on the more bawdy aspects of the film (sex sells after all) but after seeing the film, it’s funny to imagine people going into this expecting something more along the lines of what the marketing is capitalizing on and being surprised by its sweetness and distinct sense of humor. It is honestly a smart tactic, as most of the people who are in the film’s target demographic will likely be endeared by the romantic aspects that the film delves into, and will leave the film with more than what they thought they would. If nothing else, the film still delivers on what it promises in the trailer, so that could be enough to sate most viewers. But I can see this film hitting a bit more than some are expecting due to how sweet it ends up being.
Wicker is also very funny, finding a great balance between absurdity and ribaldry that was like catnip for me. It helps that the cast is exceptionally gifted when it comes to comedy, but I was truly impressed by how the film blends its medieval setting and elements with raunchiness and a slight goofiness at times. It made me think of the humor in some of the more mainstream Yorgos Lanthimos films, only quite a bit lighter. I knew that the film was going to be funny, but I wasn’t expecting to laugh nearly as much as I did. A lot of the comedy is in the dialogue, but there’s a bit of physical comedy that I wasn’t expecting. Not to mention that there is a very funny sequence involving the village Doctor (played by the great Richard E. Grant) that had me rolling. The film has such a specific brand of humor that might not work for some, but it was right up my alley and had me laughing throughout.
It truly impressed me to learn that practical effects were used to transform Alexander Skarsgård into the Wicker Husband. Acclaimed visual effects company Wētā Workshop crafted a wicker suit and facial prosthetics for the film, and they truly outdid themselves here. I had assumed that the Wicker Husband was brought to life using digital effects, but upon finding out that it was practical, it completely changed my perspective on the film’s VFX. I am a huge proponent of practical over digital, so I’m happy anytime a film chooses that route. But when the practical effects are as incredible as they are in this film, it is truly something to be celebrated.
I am always interested in watching anything Olivia Colman does, and Wicker is certainly no exception. I’ve been a fan of hers ever since I first saw her on the hit British sitcom Peep Show, and she is one of my favorite actors of all-time. What I love about her is that she has such an openness as a performer and she is always able to find something fresh and unexpected in each role she plays. Her performance as The Fisherwoman is no exception, as she is willing to play a rather unflattering role, but finds the beauty and humanity within her and embodies her fully. She may be playing an outcast in this film, but she plays The Fisherwoman as assured and comfortable in her own skin, which we don’t always see in this type of character. Not only that, but she makes such specific choices with the character that make her feel more genuine, with my favorite being a laugh she lets out at various points in the film. Colman is great as always in this film, and she is perfectly suited for everything the film asks of her.
I’m beginning to like Alexander Skarsgård more and more, as he always chooses interesting projects and he is extremely versatile. He does tend to play darker characters, but Wicker gives him the chance to be rather warm and charming. He does have a somewhat primitive energy to him that works well with the character, but he is also compassionate and sweet throughout. Skarsgård and Colman are not two actors I would ever think to play opposite each other in a romance movie, but their chemistry is excellent. From the first moment we see them together, we are rooting for them. The arc of their relationship is interesting, even if the stakes aren’t particularly high surrounding them. This does mean that the film is a bit breezier, but this didn’t bother me too much. It helps that their romance is more of a catalyst to the other villagers examining their own relationships, as it gives a bit of substance to the film. Individually, Skarsgård is quite good and fully locked into the character of The Wicker Husband, but he is even better when coupled with Colman.
Wicker is sure to delight people who are taking the trailers and marketing at face value, but it also is sure to surprise viewers with how charming and lovely it is. It has some raunchiness, sure, but at its core, it is a true love story. The unusualness of the film gives it a fun energy, and it is definitely heartwarming. It is an interesting look at human relationships and the difference between what is perceived as “normal” within them and how true love can bloom in the strangest of places. It may not be an out and out masterpiece, but it is a nice little film that has more to it than meets the eye and is sure to win some hearts.
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