Get ready to be captivated by one of the most unconventional love stories to hit the screen in years. Imagine a woman so desperate for companionship that she hires a basketmaker to weave her a husband. Sounds bizarre? That’s exactly what makes Wicker, the new twisted romantic drama starring Olivia Colman, so irresistibly intriguing. Black Bear has snapped up the rights to this bold film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival just a month ago, leaving audiences both baffled and bewitched.
Directed by the dynamic duo Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer (known for Save Yourselves!), Wicker is based on Ursula Wills’ short story The Wicker Husband. But here’s where it gets controversial: the film doesn’t just explore loneliness—it challenges our very definition of love and connection. Alongside Colman, the star-studded cast includes Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage, and Elizabeth Debicki, each delivering performances that are as haunting as they are heartfelt.
Wilson and Fischer couldn’t hide their excitement: ‘We’re overjoyed to share this labor of love with a wider audience, and Black Bear’s passion and fearlessness make them the perfect partner for this moment.’ And this is the part most people miss: in an era of cookie-cutter cinema, Wicker dares to be different, blending dark humor, tenderness, and provocation in a way that’s both unsettling and utterly compelling.
Katie Anderson, executive VP of U.S. acquisitions at Black Bear, praised the film’s originality: ‘From its daring storytelling to Olivia Colman’s powerhouse performance, *Wicker is impossible to ignore. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.’* While a release date is still under wraps, Black Bear confirms it’s hitting theaters this year, promising to spark conversations far beyond the screen.
Financed by Tango and Topic Studios, Wicker boasts an impressive roster of producers, including Colman herself through her company South of The River. But here’s a thought-provoking question: In an age of AI and virtual relationships, is Wicker’s premise as far-fetched as it seems? Or does it hold a mirror to our own desires for connection in an increasingly disconnected world?
Black Bear, now expanding into distribution, is no stranger to bold projects. Their slate includes Daniel Roher’s heist drama Tuner, Guy Ritchie’s action-packed In the Grey, and the star-studded comedy Spa Weekend. But Wicker stands out as a film that refuses to play it safe, inviting audiences to question, feel, and debate.
So, what do you think? Is Wicker a brilliant exploration of human longing, or a step too far into the absurd? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
