By Emmanuel Buah

A lonely fisherwoman, a husband made from wicker and a village that cannot mind its own business. That is the unusual premise behind Wicker, a 2026 fantasy romantic comedy that brings romance, dark humour and social satire together in a distinctly unconventional story.

Directed and written by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, the film stars Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage and Elizabeth Debicki. It opened in US cinemas on October 23, 2026.

What Is Wicker About?

Set in a traditional seaside village, Wicker follows a fisherwoman who is mocked by her neighbours because she is unmarried and considered an outsider.

Tired of their judgement, she commissions the local basketmaker to create a husband for her from wicker. What follows is far beyond an ordinary love story.

Her new husband develops a personality and becomes a romantic partner, but their unconventional relationship unsettles the village. Jealousy, gossip and social expectations threaten to destroy the unusual happiness the couple find together.

Beneath the bizarre premise is a story about loneliness, acceptance, desire and the freedom to choose a life that does not fit society’s expectations.

Who Stars in the Film?

Olivia Colman as the Fisherwoman: The Oscar-winning actress leads the story as a woman who refuses to let her neighbours determine her worth. Her performance brings vulnerability and humour to a character who has spent much of her life being ridiculed.

Alexander Skarsgård as the Wicker Husband: Skarsgård plays the extraordinary husband whose existence challenges the village’s ideas about relationships and marriage.

Peter Dinklage as the Basketmaker: Dinklage plays the craftsman who creates the unusual husband, helping set the story’s central events in motion.

Elizabeth Debicki: She appears as one of the village characters whose reactions contribute to the growing conflict surrounding the couple.

Why Is Wicker Getting Attention?

The film stands out because it takes an absurd fantasy idea and uses it to explore recognisable human behaviour.

Its central relationship raises questions about what people really seek in a partner, why communities police other people’s choices, and how jealousy can damage even an apparently happy relationship.

The film also uses raunchy humour and a deliberately unusual romance. It is not a conventional romantic comedy, so audiences should expect mature jokes and provocative situations alongside its fairytale atmosphere.

Early reviews have generally been positive, with critics highlighting the performances of Colman and Skarsgård, the film’s distinctive humour and its unusual approach to romance. Some reviewers, however, have suggested that the story loses momentum in places.

Is Wicker Worth Watching?

If you enjoy unusual films that take creative risks, Wicker could be a worthwhile choice. Its combination of fantasy, romance and social satire offers something different from the familiar superhero stories and predictable romantic comedies that frequently dominate cinema schedules.

However, this is an adult-oriented film. It carries an R rating in the United States for sexual content, language and brief full nudity, so it is not intended for younger viewers.

Our verdict: Wicker is worth considering for viewers who appreciate eccentric romantic stories, strong performances and dark comedy. Its unusual premise will not appeal to everyone, but that is precisely what makes it stand out.

Where Can You Watch Wicker?

The film opened in US cinemas on October 23, 2026. International release dates and streaming availability vary by region, so Nigerian viewers should check local cinema listings and official streaming platforms before making plans.

For the official film information and trailer, visit: https://wickerthemovie.com/home/

Instacool Movie Question: Would you fall in love with someone the rest of the world considered strange, or would public opinion influence your decision? Tell us what you think in the comments.