Wicker (2026) Review: A Fishwife's Quirky Marriage Material

This Wicker review starts with a simple confession: the premise sounds like a joke, and the film is smart enough to know it. Directed by Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer, this romantic fantasy comedy turns a strange idea into a warm, funny fable. Here is what works, what doesn't, and whether it deserves your evening.

Wicker Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Wicker plot begins on the edge of a village by the sea. A Fisherwoman lives there, smelly, single and mocked by nearly everyone around her. Tired of her stuffy neighbours, she does something bold: she commissions a husband made from wicker.

That is where we stop. What follows, as the town reacts with outrage, jealousy and chaos, is best discovered on screen. The story is based on Ursula Wills's short story "The Wicker Husband," and it keeps the cosy, storybook feel of a folk tale, with a far saltier tongue.

It runs a brisk 105 minutes, and the setup is clear within minutes. If you want background reading, the Wicker page on Wikipedia) covers the production and release.

What Works in Wicker

The biggest strength is tone. The film is naughty and nice in roughly equal measure, and critics have praised its salty humour and its sincerity. It never sneers at its heroine or at the romance, so the oddness feels charming rather than cruel.

The creature effects also deserve credit. The wicker husband is a physical, believable presence, which helps the fantasy feel emotionally real. Reviewers have noted that the filmmakers make the fantastical events land with genuine feeling.

Fans of fantasy movie reviews will recognise the fairy-tale shape here. The village setting, the outcast heroine and the magical wish all feel familiar, but the R-rated humour gives them a fresh bite.

Wicker Cast and Performances

The Wicker cast is a gift for a film this small. Olivia Colman plays the Fisherwoman, and her warmth carries the movie. Critics have called her performance eminently lovable, and it is easy to see why.

Alexander Skarsgård plays the Wicker Husband. The risk is that he becomes a walking punchline, but reviewers say he brings charm, wit and an endearing innocence that makes the character strangely lovable. The tender bond between the two leads is the film's heart.

The Supporting Players

• Peter Dinklage plays the Basket Weaver.

• Elizabeth Debicki plays the Tailor's Wife.

• Nabhaan Rizwan plays the Tailor.

• Marli Siu appears as the Tailor's Wife's Sister, though one outlet lists the role differently.

This is a strong ensemble for a village comedy, and the townsfolk supply much of the friction.

Where Wicker Stumbles

The main complaint is balance. Several critics describe uneven pacing and a script that struggles to blend its different tones, from broad comedy to sincere romance. The film sometimes lingers on a mood a little too long, then rushes to the next one.

One reviewer also felt it takes an easy way out with a too-neat explanation for the couple's devotion. That is a small flaw rather than a fatal one, but it softens the film's more daring ideas.

The humour is also not for everyone. The jokes are earthy and the rating is R, so viewers who prefer gentler fantasy may find it rougher than the fairy-tale look suggests.

Is Wicker Worth Watching?

Yes, Wicker is worth watching if you enjoy offbeat romance and dry, salty comedy. Reception has been strong: Metacritic lists a Metascore of 70 from 31 critics, and Rotten Tomatoes scores have sat in the low-to-mid 90s. Deadline called it the year's most unexpected charmer.

The flaws are real, but they are minor next to the charm of the central pair. If you want a short, original film with real personality, this is an easy recommendation. For more laughs in the same vein, browse our comedy movie reviews.

The Wicker release date is listed as October 21, 2026 in our records, though some reports give a limited opening on October 23 and a wider expansion on October 30. Check local listings before you go.

Who Will Enjoy Wicker

• Fans of fairy-tale romances with a rude, funny streak, much like our other romance movie reviews picks.

• Viewers who love Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård and want to see them play off each other.

• Anyone tired of formula who wants a short, odd and affectionate story.