Wicker: A Woven Husband Sparks Online Frenzy and Critical Debate

Key points

• Wicker, directed by Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer, is based on a short story by Ursula Wills-Jones.
• The film stars Olivia Colman as the Fisherwoman and Alexander Skarsgard as the Wicker Husband, a man woven from willow branches.
• The film’s premise has generated a viral online phenomenon, with fans creating memes and expressing 'thirst' for the Wicker Husband.
• The film’s release has sparked discussions about its themes of domestic labor, female desire, and the appeal of 'monster' romances.
• Critics are divided on the film’s execution, with some praising its satire and others criticizing its narrative focus.

Background

Wicker is a period fantasy film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026. It is based on the short story 'The Wicker Husband' by Ursula Wills-Jones. The film stars Olivia Colman as the Fisherwoman and Alexander Skarsgard as the Wicker Husband, a man woven from willow branches. The film’s release has generated significant cultural buzz, with fans creating memes and expressing 'thirst' for the Wicker Husband. The film’s themes of domestic labor, female desire, and the appeal of 'monster' romances have sparked discussions in the media.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Times critic Jeannette Catsoulis praises Wicker as a 'wonderfully raunchy satire' and a 'Critic’s Pick,' highlighting its 'deliciously wicked' tone and the compelling performances of Colman and Skarsgard. In contrast, Vulture criticizes the film for 'losing sight of what makes it wonderful,' arguing that it front-loads the sex and then veers away from the central relationship, resulting in a rushed and off-key narrative. BBC reporter Hanna Flint focuses on the cultural phenomenon surrounding the film, noting the viral online reaction and the film’s appeal to women and LGBTQ+ audiences. PureWow critic Philip Mutz focuses on Alexander Skarsgard’s red carpet appearances, criticizing his 'mob wife' aesthetic, which he argues is out of line with the film’s world.

Why it matters

Wicker’s cultural impact extends beyond its box office performance. The film’s premise has sparked a viral online phenomenon, with fans creating memes and expressing 'thirst' for the Wicker Husband. This has led to discussions about the film’s themes of domestic labor, female desire, and the appeal of 'monster' romances. The film’s release has also sparked debates about its execution, with critics divided on its narrative focus. Wicker’s cultural impact highlights the power of film to spark conversations about social issues and cultural trends.

What to watch

Wicker is set to be released in US cinemas on October 23, 2026, and in UK cinemas on October 30, 2026. The film’s box office performance and critical reception will likely determine its future prospects. The film’s cultural impact may also lead to further discussions about its themes and the appeal of 'monster' romances.