Olivia Colman's 'Wicker' Garners Mixed Reviews, Praised for Star's Performance

The fantasy film "Wicker," starring Olivia Colman, has premiered to a divided critical reception, with reviews ranging from scathing to highly positive, though Colman's performance consistently receives accolades.

The film, adapted from a short story by Ursula Wills-Jones and directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, centers on a lonely Fisherwoman, portrayed by Colman, whose love life is complicated by a distinct fishy odor. In her desperation for affection, she enlists a local basket weaver, played by Peter Dinklage, to craft her a husband out of wicker. This creation, brought to life by Alexander Skarsgård, becomes an object of desire, sparking jealousy among the village women, including Elizabeth Debicki's character, and threatening the established social order.

The film's trailer, released in July, garnered attention for its graphic scenes between Colman and Skarsgård. Following its premiere at the London Film Festival, reviews have been published.

Robbie Collin of The Telegraph awarded "Wicker" one star, labeling it "a mortifying adult fairy tale" and noting the limited comic potential of Colman's character engaging in intimate scenes with a sentient basket. However, this assessment contrasts sharply with other critics.

The Daily Mail's Brian Viner gave the film four stars, praising the supporting cast, Richard E. Grant's cameo, and Skarsgård's performance. Viner highlighted Colman's ability to convey the Fisherwoman's loneliness, subsequent joy, and eventual paranoia as the story takes a tragic turn.

Kevin Maher of The Times also awarded four stars, stating that Colman "weaves an astonishing performance" and single-handedly elevates the "quirky medieval romp." Similarly, Stephen A. Russell of Screenhub gave it four stars, describing Colman's performance as a "one-woman masterclass." Russell also commended Skarsgård's portrayal of the wicker husband as a charming, contented figure.

Siddhant Adlankha of Digital Spy offered another four-star review, calling "Wicker" "a raunchy, off-kilter delight" that retains elements of fairytale narrative.

Conversely, Benjamin Lee of The Guardian acknowledged Colman's skill in balancing comedy and drama but felt the film itself lacked depth, concluding that "Like the dream husband at its centre, Wicker looks the part but there’s nothing underneath."

During promotional interviews, Skarsgård shared his initial confusion upon receiving the script, believing it to be a remake of the horror film "The Wicker Man." He described "Wicker" as a comedy with significant sexual content. Colman added that the film is "wonderful and magical" and contains unexpected elements, noting the cast's difficulty in maintaining composure during filming, particularly during intimate scenes.

"Wicker" is scheduled to open in UK cinemas on October 30.