Black Bear has released the trailer for their new film (Perhaps it was too strange for A24?). The new film is Wicker and it has quite a spin on the phrase, “Wicker Man.” It is indeed impressive that the makeup and look that they give Alexander Skarsgård has an authentic “flexible but stiff” consistency of something made out of wicker. And the comedy, even with its absurdity, looks charming. I’m in.
Tango and Topic Studios have financed this movie from writers and directors Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer. Wicker stars Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Golden Globe winner Alexander Skarsgård, and Emmy winners Peter Dinklage and Elizabeth Debicki.
Per Deadline, the plot reads,
“Adapted from Ursula Wills’ short story, Wicker is a comedic fable about sex, marriage, and the absurdities of social convention. It’s the love story of an ostracized fisherwoman (Colman) who commissions a husband to be made by the local basket maker (Dinklage). When her wicker husband (Skarsgård) proves more spectacular than she ever imagined, his soulful spirit and unique prowess awaken something inside her, setting off a wave of jealousy, fascination, and upheaval that threatens the very fabric of village life.”
Tim Headington, Lia Buman, Ryan Heller and Michael Bloom are all on board as producers. They are joined by South of The River’s Colman, Ed Sinclair, and Tom Carver, Yoki, Inc’s David Michôd and Brad Zimmerman, and Justin Lothrop and Brent Stiefel for Votiv, who originated and financed development, as well as Andrea Cornwell and Oliver Kassman. Meanwhile, Ian Stratford, Jasmine Daghighian, Jennifer Westin, Neil Shah, Max Silva, and Lina Stroud are serving as the executive producers on this film.
Benjamin Kramer, President of U.S. Distribution for Black Bear, shared his enthusiasm for this unique comedy fairy tale. He stated, “Wicker is just the kind of film we’re passionate about championing at Black Bear. It’s bold, entertaining, and totally unlike anything else, as its early fans at Sundance have seen. Eleanor and Alex’s creative ambition shines through at every turn. Alongside an unforgettable cast, they have created a fresh and special experience. Supporting visionary filmmakers is at the core of what we do, and we look forward to bringing this unique story to audiences in theaters.”
Wicker weaves its way into theaters in October.