Wicker (2026)
Wicker is a 2026 British-American romantic comedy fantasy film directed by Alex Huston Fisher and Eleanor Wilson from a screenplay by Alex Huston Fisher, Ursula Wills, and Eleanor Wilson. The film premiered in the United States (Sundance Film Festival) on 24 January 2026.
The movie "„Wicker“" is based on the short story "„The Wicker Husband“" by Ursula Wills-Jones and combines fairy tale elements, humor and social satire. The story takes place in a strange and somewhat surreal world, reminiscent of a medieval coastal village. With its unusual idea and bright cast, the film quickly attracted attention after its premiere at the Sundance Festival in 2026.
The story takes place in a small fishing village, where a lonely and slightly strange woman lives, who is the object of ridicule from the locals. Tired of the constant expectations of society and the pressure to get married, she decides to take an unusual step. The woman orders the local basket maker to make her a husband… out of willow branches. When the strange creation comes to life and becomes the perfect partner, it causes real turmoil in the village. Jealousy, rumors and social tension begin to spread, and the unusual marriage gradually calls into question the traditions and roles of people in the community.
Alex Huston Fisher and Eleanor Wilson approach the story as a modern tale of love, loneliness, and societal norms. They build a world that is both magical and satirical, using a visual style reminiscent of a folk legend. The direction combines absurd humor with deeper themes of human desire, social pressure, and freedom of choice. Despite the fairy-tale tone, the film asks serious questions about how society defines the roles of men and women.
At the center of the story is Olivia Colman, which creates a memorable image of the lonely tern – a woman who is simultaneously vulnerable, independent and rebellious. Alexander Skarsgard is transformed into the unusual "husband" of willow branches - a character who, despite his strange nature, turns out to be unexpectedly gentle and devoted. Peter Dinklage plays the mysterious basket maker whose creation sets the stage for all events. Elizabeth Debicki plays the role of a village woman whose discontent and jealousy contribute to tension among the community's residents.
„Wicker“" is an unusual and original film that combines romance, fantasy and social satire in a strange but memorable story. Although the plot sounds absurd at first glance, it uses its fairy-tale world to explore themes such as loneliness, love and the pressure of tradition. Thanks to strong performances and an unconventional idea, the film stands out as one of the more curious independent titles of the year. It is a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking about what the "ideal" partner really means.
