Wicker has had the internet buzzing for months, ever since the first trailer dropped following an ostracized fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) who commissions her rural town’s basketmaker to weave her a wicker husband (Alexander Skarsgård). When the wicker man comes to life, plenty of sex ensues, leading the film to seemingly take the title of horniest movie of the year.
However, at the film‘s Los Angeles premiere on Tuesday, the team was quick to downplay just how explicit the film — which is rated R — gets.
“Don’t be afraid. It’s us two making it and Olivia, we’re kind of prudes,” joked Eleanor Wilson, who wrote and directed the project alongside husband Alex Huston Fischer. “It’s safe to watch with your parents. It’s mostly just funny.” Added Fischer, “This is a movie to watch with your mom, 100 percent. You don’t have to be embarrassed,” confirming that his mom loves the film.
And with plenty of online chatter about the wicker husband’s wicker penis, Colman emphasized, “People have gone mad for the sex scenes but our heads are much dirtier than what’s on camera.”
The Oscar winner produced as well as stars in the film, explaining she was drawn to the out-of-the-box story because she “hadn’t seen anything like this before and that’s exciting. I wanted to play her and I would have been jealous if anyone else had.” Skarsgård — who transformed into the wicker husband in a real suit created by Wētā Workshop — originally thought the movie was a remake of ’70s horror film The Wicker Man — until reading the script and realizing quickly that it was not.
Alexander Skarsgård, Elizabeth Debicki, Olivia Colman, Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer at the L.A. premiere.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
For those looking to experience Wicker in all its glory, a special 4DX screening is being held for one-night-only on Oct. 28 — which Fischer and Wilson have had an active hand in curating.
“I think we all know why people are going to 4DX, so let’s just make sure it’s at the max,” Wilson teased of their strategy, as Skarsgård revealed that the filmmakers have given a number of notes on the immersive experience. A major one was for a scene where Colman’s character throws out a bucket of urine, they asked for the crowd to be splashed (with water, of course).
“The shot is so directly at camera, I was like it’s a missed opportunity to not have a tiny little splash,” Wilson laughed, and Skarsgård promised, “I’m definitely going to catch that screening.”
Wicker hits theaters on Friday.