Wicker: A Satirical Romance on Marriage and Domestic Labor

Key points

• The film 'Wicker' is based on Ursula Wills-Jones's 2008 short story 'The Wicker Husband.'
• Olivia Colman plays the Fisherwoman, a spinster who commissions a basketmaker to create a husband out of wicker.
• Alexander Skarsgård plays the wicker man, a character created through prosthetics by Wētā Workshop using digital sculpting and 3D printing.
• The film explores themes of marriage, domestic labor, and societal expectations, with a focus on the imbalance in heterosexual relationships.
• The film opened in U.S. theaters on October 23, 2026, and is set to expand in the UK on October 30.

Background

The film 'Wicker' has been generating significant online buzz since its July trailer, with audiences reacting to its premise. The film has been compared to other monster-human romances, such as 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'The Shape of Water.' The film's promotional tour has centered on Skarsgård's unconventional fashion choices, including a shirt featuring a photo of co-star Olivia Colman and a full wicker costume.

How outlets are covering it

ABC News emphasizes the practical effects and Skarsgård's transformation into the wicker man, highlighting the work of Wētā Workshop. The Atlantic focuses on the film's critique of marriage and domestic labor, noting the suffocating nature of the village's marital conventions. BBC highlights the online frenzy and the film's appeal to women and gay audiences, discussing the imbalance in heterosexual relationships and the mental load of domestic labor. Yahoo focuses on the cast's enthusiasm for the film and the viral nature of the trailer, noting the film's earnest treatment of the relationship despite its absurd premise.

Why it matters

The film 'Wicker' has generated significant online buzz and has been compared to other monster-human romances. The film's exploration of marriage, domestic labor, and societal expectations resonates with current conversations about the imbalance in heterosexual relationships and the mental load of domestic labor. The film's practical effects and Skarsgård's transformation into the wicker man have also drawn attention, highlighting the work of Wētā Workshop.

What to watch

The film 'Wicker' is set to expand in the UK on October 30, 2026. The film's online buzz and critical reception will likely continue to grow as more audiences see the film in theaters.