In the surreal fantasy Wicker, Olivia Colman portrays a lonely fisherwoman who falls for a man made of woven reeds. The project debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, starring Alexander Skarsgård and Peter Dinklage in a story blending graphic romance with dark humor.
The "Romantasy" boom fueled by TikTok and Gen Z
The film Wicker arrives at a moment when the "Romantasy" subgenre—a term coined in 2008—is reaching a fever pitch. As the report notes, younger audiences are increasingly drawn to escapist,taboo-challenging tales. This trend is visible in the viral success of authors like C.M. Nascosta and Ruby Dixon on platforms like TikTok, where readers crave stories that push boundaries.
This cultural shift mirrors the popularity of "monster romance" narratives, such as Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water. By blending fantastical elements with intense emotional stakes, Wicker positions itself within a growing market of viewers who prioritize high-concept, ultra-raunchy escapism over traditional romantic tropes.
Peter Dinklage's weaver and the jealousy of Elizabeth Debicki's villagers
In the film's central plot, Peter Dinklage plays a reclusive basket weaver who constructs a lifelike spouse for a lonely fisherwoman. Once the wicker man, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, springs to life, he becomes an object of intense obsession. According to the report, a star-studded ensemble including Elizabeth Debicki, Richard E. grant, and Phil Daniels portrays villagers who become dangerously fixated on the couple.
The tension escalates as the townsfolk react to the unlikely pair. While the men in the village seek to dismantle the wicker figure,the women are drawn to his otherworldly charm. This creates a volatile social environment where the central romance triggers both deep-seated jealousy and violent competition among the inhabitants.
A 91% Rotten Tomatoes score amidst "disgust and fascination"
Despite its bizarre and potentially polarizing premise, Wicker has secured a 91% "fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes following its debut at the Sundance Film Festival. This high critical rating suggests that the film's surrealism resonates with reviewers, even if the subject matter remains unconventional.
However, the film's reception is not without friction. The report indicates that viewers are currently "torn between disgust and fascination," particularly regarding the film's blend of humor and graphic passion. This divide highlights the risk inherent in producing content that intentionally leans into the vulgarity mentioned in early reviews.
The departure from Olivia Colman's The Favourite era
The trailer for Wicker showcases a level of graphic intensity that marks a sharp turn from Olivia Colman's previous acclaimed roles. While she is widely recognized for her work in the refined, regency-era drama The Favourite, this new project embraces a much more visceral and eccentric tone. This pivot suggests a willingness to explore the darker, more absurd edges of human desire.
Several key details remain unverified by the current reporting. The source does not identify the director behind this surreal vision, nor does it clarify if the film's polarizing themes will find a wide theatrical audience or remain a niche festival hit. Furthermore, it remains to be seen how the film's specific depiction of the protagonist's "fishy odor" will be interpreted by mainstream audiences.
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