Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård have reunited for another raunchy comedy-drama following their previous collaboration in the indie hit 'Pillion.' In their latest project, 'Wicker,' the actors explore a strange emotional connection within an earthy adult fairytale set in a medieval village. Colman plays the Fisherwoman, a character ridiculed by her peers for her lack of allure, who commissions the Basketmaker, played by Peter Dinklage, to fashion her a husband dedicated solely to her pleasure. Skarsgård portrays this unique groom, a figure made entirely of wicker designed to challenge dominant patriarchal conventions where men traditionally place metal collars on their wives.
The film was shot in Budapest and features a cast populated almost exclusively by British comic actors, including Phil Daniels as a leering butcher and Richard E. Grant as an inept doctor. The dialogue oscillates between archaically formal phrases like "Happy to transact with you" and bluntly colloquial expressions such as "I'd better fuck off." To bring the Wicker Husband to life, Skarsgård wore a full bodysuit created by Weta Workshop, complete with a mask glued to his face, prosthetic lips and eyelashes, and hair made from flax. The actor noted that the costume was highly flammable and required him to exaggerate his movements significantly, as subtleties would not register through the mask.
Directors Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, who wrote the screenplay together, aimed to create a story where audiences connect emotionally with a basket. They described the film as a place for comedy rooted in human desire, noting that the characters are "fleshy bodies with desires that are embarrassing and messy." Colman praised the script upon reading it, describing her reaction as changing color like an octopus. She highlighted that her character is the only female in the story with her own name and agency, choosing to mock marriage conventions by creating a kind, beautiful creature that brings joy to her life.
The production faced casting changes, as Dev Patel was originally set to play the Wicker Husband before a scheduling conflict forced him to withdraw. Skarsgård admitted he is cast against type, as he typically portrays characters who are messed up or internally conflicted. However, the directors argued that his stoicism and presence were essential qualities for the role, with the character's sweetness serving as a major surprise. The film has already generated humorous reactions on Letterboxd, with users suggesting alternative titles like "Fifty Shades of Hay" and praising the sound design used during intimate scenes.
Colman reflected on the film's message regarding relationships, stating it is pro-equal partnerships where consideration is key. She drew parallels to her own 32-year relationship with co-producer Ed Sinclair, noting that while they have never had big fights, professional collaborations can sometimes lead to awkward moments involving "strong side eyes." The story, based on Ursula Wills' short story 'The Wicker Husband,' also touches on themes of parochialism and the demonizing of outsiders, with the jealous neighbor character Elizabeth Debicki attempting to sabotage the Fisherwoman's happiness by viewing her new husband as a foreign element.
Sources: The Guardian Film.