Actors Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgard star in the new film *Wicker*, an absurdist romantic comedy set in a medieval village. The story follows an outcast known as the Fisherwoman, played by Colman, who seeks companionship and enlists a basket weaver, portrayed by Peter Dinklage, to create a supernatural husband fashioned entirely from wicker. Initially ridiculed by the villagers, Skarsgard’s character gradually earns the Fisherwoman’s affection with his sensitivity and abilities, challenging the conservative community’s social norms.

Colman, who won an Academy Award in 2018 for *The Favourite*, described the film as an original and unique experience. The production involved extensive creative efforts, particularly in designing Skarsgard’s costume. The elaborate wicker suit was developed over approximately 18 months by New Zealand’s Weta Workshop. Skarsgard closely followed the design process through remote communications before wearing the costume for the first time about two weeks prior to filming in Budapest.

Skarsgard described the costume as a “masterpiece” and emphasized that it was a practical creation rather than a product of computer-generated imagery. To manage the complexity of the suit, the production team streamlined the makeup and costume application process, reducing it from several hours to under two. The costume included detailed facial elements, such as additional lips and eyelashes made from flax and hair, which required Skarsgard to exaggerate his movements to convey emotion effectively.

*Wicker* is adapted from Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story *The Wicker Husband*. Elizabeth Debicki plays the Tailor’s Wife, a character who opposes the Fisherwoman and her unconventional partner. The film uses its fantastical premise to explore themes such as gender roles, kindness, feminism, and the constraints of patriarchal society. Colman noted that the movie offers a thoughtful examination of women’s societal positions, especially amid contemporary challenges to women’s rights. She also highlighted the film’s focus on equality and mutual respect within relationships.