Black Bear has set an Oct. 23 limited theatrical release of their Sundance pick-up, Wicker.
The Tango and Topic Studios financed feature was directed by Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer and stars Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Golden Globe winner Alexander Skarsgård, and Emmy winners Peter Dinklage and Elizabeth Debicki.
An Oct. 30 nationwide expansion is also planned. Out of Sundance, Wicker stands at 91% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Adapted from Ursula Wills’ short story, Wicker is a comedic fable about sex, marriage, and the absurdities of social convention. It’s the love story of an ostracized fisherwoman (Colman) who commissions a husband to be made by the local basket maker (Dinklage). When her wicker husband (Skarsgård) proves more spectacular than she ever imagined, his soulful spirit and unique prowess awaken something inside her, setting off a wave of jealousy, fascination, and upheaval that threatens the very fabric of village life.
“Wicker is just the kind of film we’re passionate about championing at Black Bear,” said Benjamin Kramer, President of U.S. Distribution. “It’s bold, entertaining, and totally unlike anything else, as its early fans at Sundance have seen. Eleanor and Alex’s creative ambition shines through at every turn. Alongside an unforgettable cast, they have created a fresh and special experience. Supporting visionary filmmakers is at the core of what we do, and we look forward to bringing this unique story to audiences in theaters.”
Tim Headington, Lia Buman, Ryan Heller and Michael Bloom produce alongside South of The River’s Colman, Ed Sinclair, and Tom Carver, Yoki, Inc’s David Michôd and Brad Zimmerman, and Justin Lothrop and Brent Stiefel for Votiv who originated and financed development, as well as Andrea Cornwell and Oliver Kassman. EPs are Ian Stratford, Jasmine Daghighian, Jennifer Westin, Neil Shah, Max Silva, and Lina Stroud.
Black Bear is also handling international sales on the film, and will release the feature directly in the UK, and in Canada via subsidiary Elevation Pictures.
Black Bear currently has in release Tuner and will be releasing Andrew Patterson’s The Rivals of Amziah King later this summer on Aug. 14.