Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård and Elizabeth Debicki on 'Wicker': A 'Very Silly' Yet 'Heartbreaking' Film Beyond Slapstick

Variety · 2026-10-25
Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård and Elizabeth Debicki on 'Wicker': A 'Very Silly' Yet 'Heartbreaking' Film Beyond Slapstick

Elizabeth Debicki's first day on the set of 'Wicker' was unforgettable: she encountered Alexander Skarsgård 'stark naked as wicker,' wading through water — a full-frontal moment that left her blushing. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, stars Olivia Colman, Skarsgård, and Debicki in a story that blends absurdist comedy with deep emotional resonance. Based on a short story by Ursula Wills, 'Wicker' follows a woman in a conservative English village who commissions a wicker man, only to develop an unexpected relationship with it. The cast describes the project as 'very silly' but also 'really heartbreaking,' emphasizing that it transcends simple slapstick or sex comedy. Colman praised the script's unique tone, while Skarsgård noted the challenge of conveying emotion beneath a wicker costume. The film explores themes of loneliness, desire, and societal judgment, offering a poignant commentary on human connection. 'Wicker' is poised to spark conversations for its bold premise and heartfelt execution, proving that even the most outlandish stories can reveal profound truths about love and acceptance.