Alexander Skarsgård and Olivia Colman on Wicker's Steamy Scenes

The film 'Wicker' hits cinemas on Friday 30 October. This steamy-yet-hilarious adaptation stars Olivia Colman as an ostracized medieval fisherwoman who commissions a wicker husband, played by Alexander Skarsgård, from a queer basket weaver portrayed by Peter Dinklage. The supporting cast includes Elizabeth Debicki, Marli Siu, Nibhaan Rizwan, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, and Richard E Grant.

Colman states she found the film's intimate scenes less embarrassing than usual. The heavy prosthetics Skarsgård wore meant no skin was touching. It felt more like a dance. Alexander Skarsgård noted the protagonist is a woman who is not 23 but is still steamy, sexy, and fun. The film, shot over 45 days in Budapest, features no nudity in its sex scenes, a mutual decision to encourage imagination. The most sensual part occurs at a village dance.

Intimate Scenes and Actor Experiences

Olivia Colman described the sex scenes as more fun. She likened the choreography to a dance routine. The presence of an intimacy coordinator helped. "I do find things like that incredibly embarrassing," Colman stated. "But this wasn't as embarrassing as other things I've had to do because, well, it felt real." The wicker suit Skarsgård wore, a thirty-pound construction of 3-D printing and natural materials, created a physical barrier that reduced awkwardness.

Alexander Skarsgård emphasized the narrative purpose behind such scenes. I only feel those types of scenes are uncomfortable if I don't know what purpose the scene fills in the greater narrative, he said. He compared the experience to other roles, stating that if he is creatively excited and sees how a scene fits, it becomes thrilling. The alternative is far less comfortable.

Actor Insights on Comedy and Character

Both leads are award-winning actors known for impeccable comedic timing. They do not take themselves too seriously. Skarsgård, having previously played darker characters, found playing a pure and beautiful wicker man a refreshing change. The role required him to emote more than he was initially comfortable with.

Skarsgård notes that 'Wicker' subverts traditional fables, sagas, and George Bernard Shaw's 'Pygmalion'. Its humor allows for a sharp commentary on marriage as a potential prison, patriarchy, jealousy, and social hierarchy. This approach prevents the film from feeling like a lecture. While the sex scenes may attract attention, the social commentary is described as truly priceless.

Colman's character is the only woman in her town with a job and a name not associated with a man. She makes her own money, has her own space, and chooses what she does with her evenings. Though she suffers from self-esteem issues due to ostracism, she relishes the freedom of nonconformity. The Fisherwoman does not initially intend to sleep with her custom-ordered husband but naturally falls in love.

The film was written and directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson. It has been described by critics as a deliciously wicked adult fable that is funny, freaky, and sweetly romantic. The project has already prompted an internet frenzy, with IKEA creating a social media meme touting its wicker furniture as 'made from husband material.' Colman and Skarsgård discussed these themes, originality in movies, and sex after 50 during an interview at Black Bear's Santa Monica office rooftop. After a day of interviews, Colman attempted to moonwalk while waiting for the elevator.