Olivia Colman stars in new film about a woman who commissions a wicker husband
The R-rated comedy draws from a short story and features practical effects crafted by Wētā Workshop, including a 50-piece suit made from New Zealand flax fiber.
By Alina Carter ·
Olivia Colman plays a Fisherwoman in the new film Wicker who commissions a husband made entirely of wicker from a local artisan. The movie is based on an acclaimed short story by Ursula Wills and presents a comedic fable about sex, marriage, and social conventions. Peter Dinklage portrays the Basket Weaver who agrees to craft the artificial spouse for a stack of cash. Alexander Skarsgård plays the resulting Wicker Husband, a man described as existing literally to please his wife.
The plot centers on a close-knit village where the Fisherwoman is ostracized for her smell and spinster status. After being mocked during a wedding ritual that nominates her for marriage, she takes action to find her own partner. The Wicker Husband quickly proves to be an ideal mate, fixing the roof, tending a garden, and providing passionate companionship. This domestic happiness sparks jealousy among the village wives, leading to an upheaval in the community.
Elizabeth Debicki plays the Tailor’s Wife, a character described as pot-stirring and stuck in an unhappy marriage. She serves as the primary antagonist in this adults-only romance. The film features a dark, folk-horror finale that includes the appearance of other magical wicker beings. Critics have noted similarities to Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands, citing the small, shallow community and the unconventional romance between a human and a man-made being.
Production design relied heavily on practical effects from Wētā Workshop. Skarsgård’s wicker transformation involves a hand-crafted suit consisting of 50 interlocking pieces. The hair and beard are made from muka, a fiber extracted from New Zealand flax. It takes approximately one and a half hours for special effects artists Joe Dunckley and Sarah Rubano to apply the full look.
The film is rated for adults and includes bawdy humor and dramatic moments. It is not a musical, despite its trappings, avoiding the showtune style common in similar fantasy comedies. Skarsgård’s performance is noted for its gentleness, while Colman provides comedic timing. Debicki’s portrayal of the jealous Tailor’s Wife is cited as a standout element of the cast.
Wicker is now showing in theaters. The film has received a three and a half star rating. It offers a mix of comedy, drama, and touching moments within a medieval-inspired setting. The story explores the absurdities of social judgment through the lens of a magical, if not fully explained, creation.
