Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Olivia Coleman is having a whimsical season with the soon-to-be-released tale, Fox. But first cameWicker.

It’s a time of yesteryear – mayhap the 1600s – in an unspecified county – likely England. A small town identifies people by occupation and degree of connection to a man – physician, daughter of physician, wife of tailor nee daughter of physician.

Enter fish monger aka Coleman who inherited her necessary but smelly profession from her parents. She lives alone in their cottage. Still, she is included or tolerated in village events. Such at an event designates her as the next to marry, a possibility she views with skepticism and a hint of interest.

Fish woman has a vulnerable moment where she pines for a husband. Naturally, she asks the basket maker to build one. One month later she’s married to Peter Skarlsgard and enjoying wedded life with enthusiasm. He fixes things, he’s kind, and he sexually satisfies Fisherwoman. So the town is suspicious as towns of yesteryear often are. Fisherwoman gives in to her fears and disaster strikes. She’s upset the apple cart by seeking a husband and enjoying him. Jealousy threads its way through town.

Her innate decency saves the day and leads to a satisfying if slightly puzzling ending.

It has all the elements for excellence. Olivia Coleman as the fisherwoman and Peter Dinklage as the basket maker, both of who are luminescent. Alexander Skarsgår brings whimsy to his role as the wicker made husband. He’s a little brooding, a little devoted, and a seemingly fantastic lover. The filmn has modern sensibilities in a vague olden times setting with slightly creepy undertones, a bit of the old school Grimm’s fairy tale.

A stand out amidst the supporting cast is Ella Bruccoleri as the Baker’s Wife. Bruccoleri known for her turn in Call the Midwife brought a new perspective on Mary Bennet to life. Big year for Ella.

This ranks up there in the Olivia Coleman pantheon with Wicked Little Letters and The Favourite. Coleman can tackle anything she wants. ‘Wicker’ proves she has the lasting power to do so. She can pick her projects and I’m so glad she chose this one.

Coleman is delightful. She’s persnickety,  but kind. Her character is not a caricature. A scene where she dances with her husband during a village celebration – Coleman’s smile is incandescent. She is loved and it changes her.

The story is a little predictable as a morality play, but that doesn’t diminish the charm. Or the fun ending.

A period piece without a noble person is unique. Or without a specific period. The film has charm, whimsy, and morality themes to carry the day.

Wicker hit theaters on October 23, 2026.