Film News Blitz writer Jesse-Ann Baron breaks down the internet’s chaotic reaction to the unhinged Wicker trailer, in which a village’s magical weaver sparks a wild story of romance, social rebellion, and isolation.
This film is for those who have been complaining about the lack of originality in Hollywood because I doubt cinema has given us a romance about a woman falling in love with a sentient wicker basket.
The first trailer dropped, and there are familiar faces like Academy Award-winning Olivia Colman as an outcast fisherwoman, Peter Dinklage as the weaver, and Alexander Skarsgård as the basket.
This upcoming feature has a bizarre premise and a star-studded cast; here’s why social media is in a buzz over the first glance at Wicker.
What is the ‘Wicker’ trailer about?
Wicker is a refreshing romantic fantasy comedy based on the short story, The Wicker Husband, by Ursula Wills-Jones.
The trailer introduces us to a conservative seaside village, and Colman plays a grumpy, lonely fisherwoman who is constantly bullied by her small-minded neighbours.
Eventually, she is fed up with the ridicule for being a spinster and goes to the local magical weaver (Dinklage) to make her the perfect partner.
To the shock of the village and viewers alike, a literal “man of straw” comes to life and he becomes a devoted husband to the fisherwoman.
He is depicted as soulful, committed and, as the trailer heavily implies, shockingly good in the bedroom.
Chaos spreads in the village when the wives realise the basket husband is better than their human ones, causing jealousy and mass upheaval.
The international trailer has already turned heads with its full wicker nudity; it’s a promising dark fairy tale with raunchy adult comedy and a deeper story about societal constraints.
Why has this one trailer gone so viral?
The trailer was released only a week ago on 30 July 30, but the internet is in a massive frenzy over the spicy tones.
Social media has even dubbed the film “Fifty Shades of Pinocchio”, with the comment sections flooding with jokes that they would risk it all for a basket.
But the internet truly lost its mind as Skarsgård is the basket husband underneath all the practical effects.
Yes, that’s right, a moulded-to-Skarsgård wicker bodysuit has been used, along with glued-on facial prosthetics, to make this wicker man as authentic as possible.
The trailer went viral not only because of Skarsgård, but also because of its tongue-in-cheek double entendres, absurdity and heavy adult themes that just shocked viewers.
Is the hype actually justified?
The film uses the absurdist premise to its advantage by delivering a witty, sharp critique of gossip, human loneliness and the illogical societal expectations put on relationships.
It is not just raunchy humour or a cheap joke online, as Sundance Film Festival’s critical reactions prove that it is much more.
The consensus among critics was that buried underneath the spicy scenes lies a high-quality, smart, and deeply humane film.
The town’s mass jealousy delivers this genius critique of traditional marriage and how damaging societal expectations can be.
It is weird, bold, and it might just be the breath of fresh air cinema needs, especially the romance genre.
Wicker is set to release in cinemas on 30 October 30, 2026.
Don’t miss this raunchy comedy, but perhaps it’s best to watch this one without your folks.
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