Olivia Colman’s Wicker romance with a basket sparks debate on heteropessimism

The new film Wicker, starring Olivia Colman as a fisherwoman who finds sexual satisfaction with a wicker man played by Alexander Skarsgård, is igniting conversations about heteropessimism. Directed by Peter Dinklage, the erotic fable has struck a chord with female audiences, who are celebrating the fantasy of a perfectly attentive, non-human partner. The premise—a woman choosing a handcrafted basket lover over a human man—raises questions about why heterosexual women are increasingly drawn to romantasy stories featuring goblins, elves, and other mythical beings. Critics and fans alike see this trend as a reflection of real-world frustrations with modern dating and gender dynamics. While the film is a comedic fable, its popularity suggests a deeper cultural shift: women are exploring fantasies that bypass the emotional labor and disappointments often associated with heterosexual relationships. Whether this is a harmless escape or a warning sign for men remains to be seen, but the buzz around Wicker proves the appetite for such stories is real.