Actors Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgard have played eccentric characters before, but their latest film, Wicker, takes quirkiness to another level, with Skarsgard transforming into a handsome figure made entirely from wicker.
Set in a medieval village, the absurdist romantic comedy follows an outcast known as the Fisherwoman, played by Colman, who longs for companionship. She approaches a basket weaver, portrayed by Peter Dinklage, who creates her a supernatural husband from wicker.
Initially mocked by the villagers, the wicker man gradually wins over the Fisherwoman with his sensitivity and skills, challenging the prejudices of the conservative community and turning its established social order upside down.
Colman, who won an Oscar for her performance in The Favourite in 2018, described the film as entirely original.
“I’d just never seen anything like that before,” she said.
Bringing Skarsgard’s unusual character to life required an extensive creative effort. Artists at New Zealand’s Weta Workshop spent approximately 18 months designing his costume, with the actor following its development through emails and video calls before trying it on about two weeks before filming began in Budapest.
“That was definitely a moment I’ll never forget, when I got to step into him,” Skarsgard said, describing the costume as a masterpiece and emphasising that it was created practically rather than through computer-generated imagery.
The production team also worked to reduce the time needed for costume and make-up application, bringing the process down from several hours to less than two.
Performing in the elaborate suit presented its own challenges. The costume featured elements attached to Skarsgard’s face, including additional lips and eyelashes made from flax and hair, requiring him to exaggerate his movements to convey emotion effectively.
The film is adapted from Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story The Wicker Husband. Elizabeth Debicki plays the Tailor’s Wife, who leads a campaign against the Fisherwoman and her unconventional companion.
Beyond its fantastical premise, Wicker explores gender roles, kindness, feminism and the pressures of patriarchal society.
Colman said the film offers a gentle examination of women’s position in society, particularly at a time when women’s rights are being challenged in some quarters. She also highlighted its portrayal of equality and mutual respect within relationships.
For Skarsgard, the story reflects contemporary society while offering audiences an entertaining escape through its unusual characters and imaginative setting.
The combination of romance, social commentary and elaborate practical craftsmanship gives Wicker its distinctive character, balancing an absurdist fairy tale with themes that remain relevant beyond its medieval setting.
The film begins its global theatrical release on Wednesday -Reuters
