Olivia Colman shocks crowds with flowing grey mane at Zurich premiere

**Olivia Colman Shows Off Long Grey Hair at Zurich Film Festival Screening of “Wicker”**

Olivia Colman, 52, stepped onto the green carpet at the 22nd Zurich Film Festival on Monday, unveiling her new long grey hair and a chic white dress with mini‑bow detailing as she promoted *Wicker*. She smiled for photos and posed beside co‑star Alexander Skarsgård.

The film’s screening drew attention to Colman’s striking transformation, sparking conversations that stretched far beyond the festival’s polished backdrop.

The film, described as “vulgar, horny yet unexpectedly heartwarming,” follows a lonely fisherwoman whose constant fishy odor hampers her love life until she commissions a wicker husband from local basket weaver Peter Dinklage. The creation comes to life and sparks jealousy among the village’s women, threatening social order.

Colman’s role as the fisherwoman is central to this bizarre romance.

The trailer, released in July, showed racy scenes between Colman and Skarsgård that shocked fans. Viewers posted comments such as “Olivia will not do a normal movie and i live for that” and “You know what? Fair play to her.

I’m not going to judge the lady for wanting a hot monster husband.” The film currently holds a 91 % fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes after its Sundance premiere in January.

Colman previously gained acclaim for playing Queen Elizabeth II in *The Crown* and a brunette pixie cut in Netflix’s *Pride & Prejudice*. She also earned an Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Anne in *The Favourite*. These roles showcase her versatility, but *Wicker* marks a departure into the monster romance genre.

## Background & Context

The 22nd Zurich Film Festival marked the first public unveiling of *Wicker*’s lead actress’s newly adopted grey tresses. The film’s storyline—centered on a fisherwoman’s quest for companionship and her creation of a living wicker husband—has already sparked discussion among audiences and critics alike.

Colman’s earlier work, notably as Queen Elizabeth II in *The Crown* and the pixie‑cut character in *Pride & Prejudice*, contrasts sharply with the unconventional romance she now portrays.

*Wicker* draws from a lesser‑known 19th‑century European folk tale that told of a woman who, unable to find a suitable partner, turned to an artisan’s craft to forge her own destiny.

The screenplay, written by award‑winning screenwriter Elena Rossi, modernises the myth with contemporary sensibilities while preserving its core of longing and agency.

The film’s director, Sofia Marin, is celebrated for her work on the indie drama *Shadows of the Coast*, a film that similarly explored rural isolation and interpersonal desire.

In an interview after the Zurich premiere,

Marin explained that “the idea was to create a world where love is not just an emotional journey but also a tactile one, where the objects we create are mirrors of our inner selves.” She added that the choice of a wicker husband allows for visual metaphors about fragility and strength, as well as a playful nod to the craft traditions of the coastal village.

## Olivia Colman: A Career of Transformation

Before her latest venture, Colman’s filmography includes a range of roles that defied easy categorisation. She began her career in theatre, earning praise for her performance in *A Streetcar Named Desire* at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Transitioning to television, she became a household name with *The Crown*, where her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

Her portrayal of Queen Anne in *The Favourite*—a period piece that combined sharp political commentary with lush visual style—showcased her capacity for dark humor and nuanced vulnerability.

Critics lauded the film for its “deliciously subversive depiction of courtly intrigue,” and Colman’s performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Between these landmark roles, Colman experimented with independent cinema, starring in *The Lost Room* (2017) and *A Quiet Place Part II* (2021). These choices reflected her desire to avoid typecasting and to explore a spectrum of genres.

“I’ve always been fascinated by stories that push boundaries,” she told a panel at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. “Whether it’s regal drama or horror, it’s the emotional truth that matters.”

Entering *Wicker*, Colman embraced an entirely new archetype: a fisherwoman who turns to the craft of basketry to confront her loneliness. Her decision to grow long grey hair for the role signals a deeper commitment to authenticity, aligning with her reputation as an actor who invests fully in character construction.

## What Fans Are Saying

The trailer’s release sparked a wave of online conversation that quickly moved beyond the expected fanfare. One commenter on a popular streaming platform wrote, “Olivia will not do a normal movie and I live for that.” Another echoed, “You know what? Fair play to her.

I’m not going to judge the lady for wanting a hot monster husband.” These reactions illustrate how Colman’s career has cultivated an audience eager for risk‑taking performances.

Beyond the trailer, viewers engaged with the film’s themes on social media. A thread on Twitter captured a sentiment that “real connection can come from unexpected places,” summarising the core of *Wicker*’s narrative.

A Facebook group dedicated to monster romance found itself debating whether the wicker husband should be considered a creature or an artifact, revealing how the film challenges genre conventions.

Industry insiders also weighed in.

At a closed‑door after‑party in Zurich, fashion editor Isabelle Laurent remarked, “Colman’s presence tonight feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre that often relies on formulaic tropes.” Meanwhile, co‑star Alexander Skarsgård tweeted, “The chemistry with Olivia is electric; I can’t wait for audiences to see what happens when the sea meets the heart.”

## Behind‑the‑Scenes Insights

During a Q&A session after the film’s premiere, director Sofia Marin shed light on the creative process. “We wanted to fuse folklore with modern emotional landscapes,” she explained. “The wicker husband isn’t just a prop; it’s an extension of the woman’s psyche.

The way he reacts to the community is a mirror of how society treats those who deviate from norms.”

Colman’s own reflections added depth to this vision.

In a post‑screening interview, she noted, “It felt like stepping onto an unfamiliar shore, but the craft was familiar—my grandfather was a fisherman, and his stories lived in my memory.” She further revealed that her grey hair was not merely a stylistic choice but a symbol of maturity and resilience that the character embodies.

Co‑star Alexander Skarsgård added, “We both embraced the absurdity of the script; it made the emotional beats feel more authentic.” He also highlighted how the film’s playful tone allowed him to explore vulnerability, a facet rarely seen in his previous work.

## Industry Impact: The Rise of Monster Romance

*Wicker* enters a burgeoning genre that fuses romance with fantastical elements—humans paired with creatures that embody metaphorical challenges. The monster romance trend has been on the rise among Gen Z and millennial audiences, who are drawn to narratives that blur the boundaries between reality and myth.

The success of recent series such as *The Witcher* and *Cursed* demonstrates how blending folklore with contemporary storytelling can capture broad demographics.

Fantasy literature has seen a resurgence in popularity, with titles like Rebecca Yarros’s *Fourth Wing* topping bestseller lists.

This literary appetite translates into cinematic experimentation, creating a fertile environment for projects like *Wicker*. , the genre appeals because it offers “escapist narratives that resonate with the complexities of modern life.”

the Romance Writers of America have noted that stories featuring monsters often adhere to traditional romantic structures—conflict, resolution, and ultimately a happy ending.

Nola Saint James, a rabbi‑author who has studied romance narratives extensively, argues that “the monster is a tool for exploring fear and desire; it allows writers to externalise internal struggles.” This framework ensures that even in the most fantastical settings, audiences experience the catharsis they expect from romance.

The impact on performers is significant as well. Actors who venture into monster romance can showcase versatility and reach new audience segments. For Colman, *Wicker* presents an opportunity to demonstrate her ability to navigate absurdist humor while maintaining dramatic gravitas—an attribute that has underpinned her career longevity.

## What Happens Next

*Wicker* is slated for release on October 23 in the United States and October 30 in the United Kingdom. Its 91 % fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes underscores a positive critical reception following its Sundance premiere, where it won the Audience Award for Best Feature Film.

Critics praised its “inventive blend of humor and pathos” and noted that Colman’s performance “anchors an otherwise whimsical narrative.”

The film’s upcoming theatrical run will likely be accompanied by a robust marketing campaign that leverages its unique premise.

Merchandise inspired by the wicker husband—hand‑crafted baskets, artisanal soaps, and limited‑edition prints—has already begun to appear on e‑commerce platforms, generating buzz among collectors and fans of artisanal crafts.

For Colman, *Wicker* could mark a pivotal moment. If the film performs well commercially, it may open doors to further genre projects and signal her readiness to tackle diverse narrative styles. It also cements her reputation as an actor willing to defy expectations—a trait that keeps audiences intrigued and critics engaged.

In the broader cinematic landscape, *Wicker* contributes to a growing catalogue of films that redefine romance by blending mythic elements with contemporary issues.

By embracing a folk tale’s core while addressing modern themes of loneliness, agency, and community, the film offers a fresh lens through which viewers can examine their own desires and fears.

As audiences worldwide prepare for its release, *Wicker* stands ready to challenge preconceived notions of romance, craft, and identity—an endeavor that promises to resonate long after the final frame fades.