The recent release of the trailer for Wicker set social media ablaze, captivating viewers with its quirky premise. Directed by indie film distributor Black Bear and based on Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story The Wicker Husband, the film portrays a small village fisherwoman, played by Olivia Colman, who persuades a local basket weaver (Peter Dinklage) to craft a husband from wicker (Alexander Skarsgård). Spectators were particularly amused by scenes depicting Colman and her wicker partner consummating their marriage with such enthusiasm that they break the bed. This sparked a comedic inquiry among fans: “Will this be available in 4DX?”
For an audience eagerly anticipating this unique cinematic experience, Black Bear answered the challenge on October 28 by screening Wicker in 4DX for one night only. This innovative format allows viewers to immerse themselves in the film using sensory effects like water, wind, and snow, enhancing the film’s low-fantasy romance. What began as a bit of fun turned into a genuine demand—as tickets sold out quickly, leading theaters to extend showings until November 5. Those who managed to secure their spots reported an electrifying atmosphere, emphasizing the need for more such adventurous romance films.
Fan Experiences
New York City resident Robert Belpasso, 32, recalled the intense ticket-buying ordeal, noting, “Initially, it was impossible to get tickets. It was like fighting like a Ticketmaster war.” Meanwhile, fellow New Yorker Leen Dweik and her friends were determined to see the film, even considering a journey to a theater in suburban New Rochelle before seats opened up at a Times Square location. “We had no plans to miss it,” Dweik, 29, explains.
Tia Burkett, 33, gathered a group of friends in Kansas to see Wicker in 4DX after she was drawn in by the trailer. What surprised her about the film was its sincere narrative and the intensity of the 4DX experience. “There was one point where I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I’m about to fall.’ That first sex scene truly felt like we were on a roller coaster, and none of us were expecting it,” recalls Burkett. “I’ve never laughed that hard in my life.”
Marketing and Themes
The film’s promotional strategy played heavily on its risqué elements, drawing in viewers with the idea of a woman engaging in a passionate relationship with her wicker husband. The marketing emphasized the sound effects, showcasing the crackling of twigs and twisting branches that accompany the characters’ intimate encounters. Karen Turner, 36, noted that she would watch anything with Olivia Colman, but the story’s technical nuances piqued her interest. “How are you supposed to have sex with a wicker dick? That doesn’t make sense anatomically,” she said. “So I had questions going in. I wanted to see.”
Molly S., 32, joined Belpasso for the film viewing and humorously recalled the buzz that surrounded speculation about whether the film would feature unedited content. “That was just hysterical,” she adds. “The funniest thing that I saw the entire time was everybody trying to figure out if there was going to be ‘full wick’ or not.”
“And there was full-frontal wick,” Belpasso confirmed, drawing laughter and clarification from Molly: “Very tiny — from far away. Well, quite large,” he corrected, playfully.
A Cult Following Emerges
Since the pandemic, cinemas have seen a resurgence in attendance, particularly with the rise of interest in formats like 4DX, typically dominated by action films. While Wicker has not yet accrued massive box office success, having grossed approximately $13 million globally on a $10 million budget, it’s finding its stride as a cult favorite, revealing a potential audience interest that may have been underestimated by filmmakers.
Gracie D., a dedicated fan of unconventional romances, articulated her belief in the genre’s limitations. “There’s a chemistry problem that could be solved with some creative shakeups,” she stated. After years of enjoying similar narratives, she found Wicker refreshing due to its quirky premise. “The big appeal is that it’s silly and doesn’t take itself 100 percent seriously,” she remarked.
As romantic fantasy—stories that blend love with magical elements—continues to rise in popularity, it is perhaps unsurprising that Wicker resonates with fans. The film’s 4DX success illustrates that there is still a strong appetite for provocative storytelling. However, its true strength lies in its ability to utilize Colman and Skarsgård’s relationship to subtly critique societal perceptions of female desire and agency, a recurring theme resonating with audiences who appreciate its deeper messages.
Dweik noted, “I think that there’s something really profound in the explorations of romance between woman and other.” She emphasized that from the start, Wicker committed to being bold and untraditional. “People just want more freak shit,” she concluded.
