A whimsical film titled Wicker is drawing attention at the Sundance Film Festival as it searches for distribution. This project, created by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, features Olivia Colman as the lead, alongside Alexander Skarsgård and Peter Dinklage. The story centers around a fisherwoman who turns to a basketmaker to craft her a companion, introducing a blend of fantasy and folklore in a small-town setting. The focus on the Peter Dinklage Wicker character highlights his role as an inventor and artisan, which brings an unusual flavor to the unfolding narrative.
Peter Dinklage’s Role as a Basketmaker Defies Convention
Olivia Colman portrays a fisherwoman frustrated by the narrow-mindedness of her neighbors, prompting her to seek help from a basketmaker played by Peter Dinklage. Dinklage described his character in an interview with Variety, emphasizing the individuality of the basketmaster:
“Much like the fisherwoman, he’s just a complete, his own character. He doesn’t abide by the rules of the town folks. He’s an eccentric, flamboyant, inventor. And, I got really into weaving wicker on set. We had a really great tutor. It’s part of being an actor, is just going and doing strange things like that.”
This role marks another eccentric addition to Dinklage’s varied acting portfolio, which includes his celebrated turn as Tyrion Lannister and recent appearances in films such as The Toxic Avenger. In Wicker, his character uses natural fibers to create a companion, showing a creative continuity with his previous role as Eitri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Avengers: Infinity War, where he forged Thor’s weapon from magical metal. This blend of imagination and craftsmanship defines his latest on-screen persona.
Background and Production Details of Wicker
The film is an adaptation of Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story The Wicker Husband. It tells the tale of a fisherwoman branded as ugly by her community, who befriends a basketweaver with skills reminiscent of Victor Frankenstein. The basketmaker creates a man for her, a companion who ignites envy among the townspeople due to his striking appearance. This narrative explores themes of acceptance and desire within a tight-knit and judgmental environment.
Olivia Colman is not only starring but also co-producing the film along with Ed Sinclair, Tom Carver, David Michôd, Brad Zimmerman, Justin Lothrop, and Brent Stiefel. The cinematography is by Lol Crawley, an award-winning professional recognized for his BAFTA and Academy Award for his work on The Brutalist. His involvement promises a visual richness that complements the film’s fantastical storyline.
Public and Critical Reception of the Source Material
The Wicker Husband short story has gathered a modest following, with a Goodreads rating of 4.03. Readers have expressed varying reactions, as demonstrated by comments such as:
“WHERE TF IS THIS BASKET MAKER???”
and
“I loved this as a quick tea break read.”
The story also inspired a folk musical adaptation in 2020. Writing for The Guardian, reviewer Arifa Akbar gave it three stars, noting both its charm and flaws:
“There are magical moments in The Wicker Husband yet weaknesses, too: characterisation is so flat that the villagers are dastardly to the point of cartoonishness.”
Future Prospects and Uncertain Release
As of now, Wicker has no confirmed theatrical release date, leaving its audience waiting for distribution news. The film’s unconventional blend of fantasy, drama, and folk influences, along with its standout performances, positions it as an intriguing prospect for future viewership and critical discussion. Fans of Peter Dinklage and Olivia Colman, as well as admirers of imaginative storytelling, are likely to follow updates closely.
