Wicker Review: Olivia Colman Shines in Folk-Horror Romance 2026

In the new folk-horror romance Wicker, Olivia Colman delivers a fierce and naturalistic performance as a lonely fisherwoman who commissions a wicker husband, blending macabre horror with unexpected sentimentality. Directed with a peculiar touch, the film adapts Ursula Wills' 2006 story The Wicker Husband and channels the spirit of Shirley Jackson in its exploration of isolation and desire.

Set in a fabular medieval-effect village that could be anywhere from central Europe to England, Wicker introduces us to a society steeped in bizarre patriarchal rituals—like placing metal collars on new brides. Colman's character, a depressed middle-aged woman, lives alone in a remote cottage and faces constant mockery from the closed-minded locals when she brings her unappetising tench and gudgeon to market. Among her tormentors are Richard E. Grant as a lazy and incompetent doctor and Elizabeth Debicki as the spiteful tailor's wife, whose sharp elegance masks a cruel streak.

But the fisherwoman, showing a good deal more imagination than everyone else, boldly approaches the Basketmaker—a droll performance from Peter Dinklage—and commissions him to make a wicker husband. This wicker hunk, magicked up in a secret workshop, is played by Alexander Skarsgård, whose soulful eyes lend an eerie humanity to the creation. What follows is a strange and intriguing Venn-diagram overlap between macabre horror and sentimentality, almost funny but not exactly, and almost disturbing but not exactly.

Olivia Colman's Performance Anchors the Film

Colman's portrayal of the fisherwoman is a masterclass in restrained emotion. She brings a fierce naturalism to a character who is both vulnerable and defiant, making us feel her isolation deeply. Her interactions with the villagers, particularly the bullying tailor's wife, are charged with tension, and her decision to commission the wicker husband feels like a bold act of rebellion.

The film's strength lies in its ability to balance the grotesque with the tender. Colman navigates this tightrope with ease, embodying a woman who finds solace in an unconventional companion. Her performance is the heart of Wicker, grounding the fantastical elements in genuine human emotion.

Folk-Horror Meets Romance in a Peculiar Village

The village setting is a character in itself, with its bizarre rituals and oppressive traditions. The metal collars on new brides are a chilling detail that underscores the patriarchal control exerted over women. This backdrop makes the fisherwoman's rebellion all the more poignant—she refuses to conform to the expectations of her community, instead creating her own version of companionship.

The folk-horror elements are subtle but effective. The wicker husband, brought to life by Skarsgård, is both a comforting presence and a source of unease. His soulful eyes suggest a depth of feeling, but his constructed nature raises questions about what it means to be human. The film doesn't offer easy answers, instead leaving the audience to ponder the implications.

Supporting Cast Adds Depth and Tension

Richard E. Grant's turn as the incompetent doctor provides moments of dark humor, while Elizabeth Debicki's tailor's wife is a deliciously spiteful antagonist. Peter Dinklage's Basketmaker is a highlight, bringing a droll charm to the role that adds layers to the story. Each supporting character contributes to the village's oppressive atmosphere, making the fisherwoman's isolation feel earned.

Alexander Skarsgård's performance as the wicker husband is largely physical, relying on his expressive eyes to convey emotion. It's a challenging role, but he manages to make the creation both otherworldly and strangely endearing. The chemistry between him and Colman is unexpected but works within the film's peculiar logic.

Themes of Isolation and Imagination

At its core, Wicker is about the power of imagination as a coping mechanism. The fisherwoman's decision to create a husband from wicker is an act of defiance against a society that has rejected her. It's a way to reclaim agency and find connection in a world that offers her none.

The film also explores the nature of desire and companionship. Is the wicker husband a substitute for human connection, or is he something more? The ambiguity is part of the film's allure, inviting viewers to reflect on their own notions of love and loneliness. The folk-horror elements serve to heighten these themes, adding a layer of unease to the romance. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Wicker Review: Olivia Colman Shines in Folk-Horror Romance.

What to Watch Next

If Wicker leaves you craving more folk-horror, the genre has a rich history. The recent passing of director Justin Hardy, known for his work on the Wicker Man sequel, is a reminder of the enduring legacy of films that blend horror with rural traditions. Hardy's contributions to the genre are worth revisiting. The background to this story is set out in Celebrity: latest articles. A related thread runs through Big Baby Review: A Meta-Horror Misfire from Spider One.

For a deeper dive into the folk-horror classic that inspired many, Children of the Wicker Man explores how the original film haunted audiences and influenced generations of filmmakers. It's a fascinating look at the roots of the genre. Earlier coverage in Scream at 30: Why Wes Craven's Meta Horror Still Terrifies shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Horror Shows Take Over New York Stage as Fear Becomes Contagious.

Olivia Colman fans should also check out her recent interview about Jimpa and trans rights, where she discusses another challenging role. And if you're planning your cinema outings, the best films of autumn 2026 include Colman's return alongside Tom Cruise and Rocky, promising a diverse lineup for movie lovers.

FAQ