The fairy tale Wicker lit up Sundance 2026 with its world premiere at the Eccles Theater, where the film received two standing ovations. The first came as the credits rolled, and the second when the cast and filmmakers took the stage. The audience’s enthusiasm confirmed the film’s place as one of the festival’s most talked-about debuts.
From Page to Screen
Based on Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story The Wicker Husband, the film is directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, the duo behind Save Yourselves!. The story follows Olivia Colman as a village outsider who commissions a basketmaker to craft her a husband. What she receives is a towering figure brought to life by Alexander Skarsgard, transformed through elaborate prosthetics designed by Weta Workshop.
Alexander Skarsgard as the Wicker Man
Skarsgard’s portrayal of the wicker husband is both fantastical and unexpectedly alluring. His character’s charm, kindness, and striking appearance disrupt the patriarchal order of the village, sparking jealousy and fascination. Colman herself joked ahead of the premiere that audiences would “have weird dreams” after seeing Skarsgard in the role.
A Fairy Tale With Emotional Depth
While Wicker embraces its fairy tale roots, Fischer and Wilson infuse the narrative with emotional resonance. The relationship between Colman’s character and her wicker husband reflects themes of longing, acceptance, and defiance against societal norms. These layers of meaning, combined with the film’s whimsical visuals, contributed to the heartfelt response from Sundance audiences.
Standing Ovations Across the Festival
Wicker was among several films to earn standing ovations during Sundance’s opening weekend. Olivia Wilde’s The Invite, Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan’s Josephine, and Danielle Brooks’ If I Go Will They Miss Me also drew enthusiastic applause. Yet Wicker stood out for its blend of humor, romance, and fantasy, leaving audiences charmed and moved.
A Dream Come True for Audiences
Ultimately, Wicker is more than a whimsical tale — it’s a story about desire, imagination, and the courage to embrace unconventional love. With Colman’s emotional performance and Skarsgard’s unforgettable transformation, the film has already cemented itself as a Sundance highlight.
