An exclusive promotional poster has been released for the upcoming romantic fantasy comedy Wicker, offering a new look at the surreal film ahead of its theatrical debut next month.
Starring Academy Award winner Olivia Colman and Golden Globe winner Alexander Skarsgård, the project has generated significant industry attention since its festival debut earlier this year. The newly distributed image marks the latest marketing push by distributor Black Bear as the film prepares for a tiered rollout in North American and international cinemas.
A Bizarre Premise Grounded by an Elite Cast
The Wicker movie, adapted from Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story The Wicker Husband, presents an unconventional fairy tale set in a conservative, 1600s-esque coastal village.
The narrative follows a lonely and routinely ostracized fisherwoman, played by Olivia Colman, who grows tired of the persistent ridicule and social expectations of her small-minded neighbors. In an act of defiance, she commissions a reclusive local artisan and basketmaker, portrayed by Emmy winner Peter Dinklage, to weave her a husband entirely out of wicker.
Chaos, jealousy, and superstition soon overtake the traditional community when the woven natural-fiber creation unexpectedly comes to life. Described as a sentient rattan Adonis, Alexander Skarsgård's character proves to be an extraordinary and soulful companion, challenging the village's rigid social structures and centuries-old traditions.
The ensemble cast also features notable supporting performances from Elizabeth Debicki, Richard E. Grant, Nabhaan Rizwan, and Marli Siu.
Practical Effects Over Digital Design
Directed and adapted for the screen by filmmaking duo Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, Wicker distinguishes itself by heavily prioritizing traditional production techniques over computer-generated imagery.
The character played by Alexander Skarsgård relied almost exclusively on practical makeup and an elaborate, physical suit created by the New Zealand-based special effects house Wētā Workshop. The workshop constructed a 3D-printed shell molded directly to the actor's body, which was then layered with genuine woven wicker. Digital enhancements were reportedly restricted to adding depth to the hollow gaps between the weaves.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly regarding the physical constraints of the role, Alexander Skarsgård noted that the prosthetics glued to his face limited his facial expressions, requiring a distinct performance style.
"Most male actors dream of playing Hamlet at some point in their career. I never did," Alexander Skarsgård told the publication. "My dream was always to have nipples made out of wicker. Thanks to our wonderful directors, Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer, and the brilliant artists at Wētā Workshop in New Zealand, my dream has finally come true."
Festival Tracking and Box Office Trajectory
The Wicker movie initially premiered in the Premieres section of the Sundance Film Festival in January, where it received a double standing ovation from attendees. Critical reviews out of the festival were largely favorable, with the movie sustaining a 91% approval rating on the review aggregator platform Rotten Tomatoes.
While a portion of early critics described the dark comedy as tonally uneven, the vast majority praised the central performances of Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård, the atmospheric cinematography by Lol Crawley, and the film’s underlying commentary on adult insecurities, companionship, and marriage dynamics.
The production was financed and produced by Topic Studios and Tango Entertainment, with international sales handled globally by Black Bear.
Distribution Timeline and Release Details
Audiences will be able to see the Wicker movie in theaters next month. Black Bear has confirmed that the film will launch in select theaters for a limited theatrical run on October 23. The feature is scheduled to expand to a nationwide wide release the following week on October 30.
In addition to its domestic distribution plan, Black Bear will manage the film's direct theatrical releases across the United Kingdom and Canada, the latter via its subsidiary, Elevation Pictures.
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