'Wicker' Review: Olivia Colman Leads a Riotously Entertaining Fantasy
By Shauna Bushe - October 31, 2026
If you went in the theatre expecting a mild comedy based on how it was advertised, prepare to be delightfully proven otherwise. Wicker is a blast from start to finish bringing far more genuine laughs than anticipated, while simultaneously steaming up the screen with audacious heat. Wicker proves to be unapologetically sexy as it is laugh out loud funny.
What is Wicker about?
In a quiet seaside village, Wicker follows a deeply lonely fisherwoman (Olivia Coleman) who, tired of small-town judgment and solitude, commissions an eccentric basket weaver (Peter Dinklage) to craft her a husband entirely out of wicker. What begins as a strange, desperate solution quickly spirals into something far more intense and unpredictable when her custom creation (Alexander Skarsgård) comes to life.
Set against the backdrop of a quiet, cozy village, the films worldbuilding is rich with wonderful landscapes, lush greenery and cute cottages. Together it creates immense charm and adds a vibrant canvas for the stories saucier and wilder elements to unfold. What truly ignites the story, however, is the dynamic between the two leads. The on-screen chemistry between Alexander Skarsgård and Olivia Colman is compelling, magnetic, and deeply beckoning. Despite the surreal premise, their connection feels so genuinely passionate that you find yourself intensely invested in their bond, whole-heartedly rooting for their happily ever after.
At the absolute heart of this triumph is Olivia Colman, who proves once again why she is a total diva and an absolute treasure to watch on screen. Playing an isolated fisherwoman, Colman brings a fierce sass and authentic chaos to the role that makes every single minute on screen a joy. Yet, what elevates her performance from merely funny to truly memorable is its grounding: amidst the sharp wit and unruly antics, she portrays an extremely relatable and profoundly lonely figure.
Adding substantial weight to the story is Peter Dinklage, who delivers a wonderfully grounded performance as the quiet basket weaver. Dinklage brings a subtle dignity and understated warmth to the craftsman, acting as the narrative anchor who sets the entire surreal story into motion. Equally astonishing is the craft behind Alexander Skarsgård as the wicker husband himself. The visual effects and physical prosthetic artistry executed on Skarsgård are truly remarkable. The design strikes a fascinating balance, detailed enough to read as convincingly human-like in expression, yet woven with an undeniable, raw, animalistic strength that gives the character a striking, otherworldly presence.
Beyond the non-stop hilarity, the film carries a surprisingly meaningful core. Beneath all the wild fun and spectacular visuals lies a rather deep message about love, trust, and what it truly means to be the "perfect partner". Fast-paced, wicked, and surprisingly poignant, Wicker strikes a rare balance between laugh-out-loud comedy, impressive craft, and genuine heart.
Powered by Olivia Colman’s stellar performance, Peter Dinklage's quiet charm, and jaw-dropping visual effects, Wicker is a sharp, vibrant ride that will leave your cheeks aching from laughter while giving you something meaningful to ponder long after the credits roll. Don't miss it.
'Wicker' is out now in cinemas following its release on October 30, 2026.
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Shauna Bushe
Writer
Shauna is always down to talk about movie lore, collector of all things physical media and driven by a life long love for horror cinema.
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