Olivia Colman is back with a film that sounds almost too odd to work—and that may be exactly why people can’t stop talking about it. In a week packed with entertainment news Ireland readers will want on their radar, Wicker is emerging as one of the most unusual big-screen releases of the moment, blending dark humour, romance and village satire into one very offbeat package.
Now playing in cinemas, Wicker stars Colman as a lonely fisherwoman who, fed up with ridicule and isolation, wishes for a husband made of wicker. Against all logic, she gets one. The result is a surreal rom-com that has already sparked strong reactions from early viewers, with many praising its originality, performances and unapologetically weird tone.
Why Wicker is making waves in entertainment news Ireland
Based on Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story The Wicker Husband, the film unfolds in a small seaside village where Colman’s character lives on the fringes of society. Unmarried, mocked and dismissed by her neighbours, she turns to a local basketmaker to create the husband she cannot find in real life.
That unusual setup quickly turns into something far bigger. The wicker man becomes a source of fascination in the village, stirring jealousy, gossip and social unrest. It is a premise that sounds outrageous on paper, yet the film reportedly balances absurdity with warmth.
For audiences following Irish entertainment news and broader film news Ireland, this is exactly the kind of left-field release that cuts through the noise.
A standout cast lifts the eccentric story
Colman leads the film with the kind of emotional intelligence and comic timing that has made her one of the most admired performers working today. Joining her is Alexander Skarsgård as the wicker husband, a casting choice that has already inspired plenty of online chatter.
The supporting cast adds even more weight, including:
- Elizabeth Debicki
- Peter Dinklage
- A strong ensemble that helps sell the film’s heightened village world
For readers who track celebrity news Ireland, the pairing of Colman and Skarsgård alone gives the film major appeal, especially with both actors known for choosing unpredictable roles.
Early reactions suggest a weird, funny crowd-pleaser
The first wave of reviews paints Wicker as an entertaining, if unconventional, watch. Viewers have described it as hilarious, romantic and visually distinctive, while several reactions praise its satirical take on gender roles and community norms.
Among the recurring talking points:
- Its bold production design
- Its unusual blend of sensual comedy and fable-like storytelling
- Its willingness to embrace absurdity without apology
Not every reaction has been glowing, with some suggesting the ending does not fully land. Even so, the broader consensus appears positive. The film currently holds strong audience-facing scores across major review platforms, reinforcing its status as one of the more intriguing entries in current movie news Ireland and cinema news Ireland.
Should you add Wicker to your watchlist?
If your taste leans toward unusual romances, dark fairy tales and star-led projects that refuse to play it safe, then yes—this one looks worth a trip to the cinema. It may not be a conventional crowd-pleaser, but it seems to offer enough charm, satire and strangeness to stand out in the latest entertainment news Ireland cycle.
For anyone searching for what to watch Ireland, especially on the film side, Wicker arrives with strong curiosity value and a cast that is easy to trust. The big takeaway: in a landscape often dominated by sequels and familiar formulas, this strange Olivia Colman vehicle is giving entertainment news Ireland something fresh to talk about.







