Alright, cinephiles, heads up! The film ‘Wicker’ has been making some serious waves since its Sundance premiere, and it’s straight up ‘fire’ if you ask the stars themselves. This flick, featuring the incredible Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård, has everyone buzzing, not just for its unique storyline but also for some pretty steamy scenes. As the report states, viewers at the Zurich Film Festival, where it had its European premiere, were definitely caught off guard by the raunchiness, but the performances and the sheer originality of the project are undeniable, making ‘Wicker’ a truly memorable experience.
Olivia Colman, a well-known actress celebrated for her versatile roles, from historical dramas to sharp comedies, expressed her absolute adoration for the ‘Wicker’ script. She reportedly said it instantly landed in her top three favorite scripts she’s ever worked on, which, no cap, is high praise coming from an actress with such an impressive filmography. Her character, a medieval fisherwoman who faces constant ostracization, finds an unexpected connection with a wicker husband, created by a basket weaver played by the legendary Peter Dinklage. Colman’s ability to imbue this unconventional character with depth and resilience truly makes her shine.
For Alexander Skarsgård, known for often portraying intense, darker characters, this role was a significant departure, and he admitted it was ‘terrifying’ at first. He’s previously tackled complex, sometimes villainous, roles that lean into the more twisted aspects of human nature, making his portrayal of a ‘sweet, tender, and caring’ wicker husband a major shift. Skarsgård confessed to initially being confused about how to approach such a gentle character, a testament to his dedication to truly embodying the role, even if it meant stepping way out of his comfort zone. It’s giving ‘actor really putting in the work,’ for real.
The physical transformation for Skarsgård’s character was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the renowned Wētā Workshop. This legendary company, celebrated for its groundbreaking practical effects in films like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ saga, brought the wicker husband to life without relying heavily on CGI. Skarsgård described the experience of seeing his woven body for the first time in the workshop in Budapest as ‘extraordinary’ and pivotal in finding his character’s physicality. This commitment to practical effects truly elevates the film’s immersive quality, pulling audiences deeper into its fantastical world.
Working alongside a custom-woven co-star presented unique challenges for both actors. Colman described it as a ‘magical world’ where they simply talked to each other, highlighting the strong rapport and genuine connection she developed with Skarsgård despite his unconventional costume. Skarsgård, on his end, faced the difficulty of expressing emotion through a mask glued to his face, requiring exaggerated movements to register on screen. The directors, Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, guided him through this, ensuring his performances were authentic yet visually impactful, perfecting this nuanced physical acting over several days.
‘Wicker’ also dives deep into societal themes, using its fantastical premise to explore the institution of marriage and traditional gender roles with a humor that, as the article states, echoes the madness of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’. Colman pointed out that her character, the fisherwoman, is the only female character in the story explicitly given a name, highlighting her unique journey of self-acceptance and defiance in a patriarchal world. The film subtly critiques societal constructs without ever feeling ‘preachy’ or ‘on the nose,’ as Skarsgård noted, offering a ‘tender, sweet, funny, and irreverent’ take on human connection and acceptance.
Ultimately, the heart of ‘Wicker’ lies in the story of two souls finding kindness and support in each other, regardless of their societal standing or physical form. The relationship between the ostracized fisherwoman and her gentle wicker husband becomes a powerful symbol of equality and mutual respect. It’s about two beings truly seeing and valuing one another, a message that hits different in today’s world. This unconventional love story, full of heart and humor, really proves that sometimes, all you need is a basket – or a person – who loves you back, periodt.
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Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
