Olivia Colman has praised the British film industry for championing "odd" films. The 52-year-old actress stars in the upcoming fantasy comedy Wicker, playing an ostracised local fisherwoman who asks a basket maker to construct a wicker husband for her, played by Alexander Skarsgard.
The creation becomes far better than she could ever imagine, igniting a wave of jealousy and upheaval in their quiet village. Speaking at the UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, Colman said she was drawn to the story because it was "totally original".
'Alive and kicking'
She told the Press Association: "It can get a little samey, some of the scripts that come through, and this was so exciting that it was totally different.
"I love the British film industry. I think it's alive and kicking, and I love that we can do, I mean, at this festival for example, the range of films that are here is gorgeous, and I know film festivals around the world are pretty damn good at that.
"But, I don't know, I feel like we really do champion the odd film."
A story of love and rebellion
She went on to describe how her character never needed a husband but decided to have one made as a form of rebellion against her local town.
She said: "I'm not sure that I particularly related to her, but I loved her. And I loved her journey.
"She didn't need a husband or particularly want a husband. She did it mainly, I think, to stick her fingers up to the village and their prejudices. And it just turned out that she fell in love. They fell in love with each other.
"She was very happy on her own and she would have continued to be happy on her own, but she found for her that it was better when she felt loved. And I think that probably would appeal to most people.
"To be loved is what we would all love as humans. I just think it's a very lovely story about how to do it well."
Premiere and release
Colman attended the UK premiere in a long black dress with a draped shawl and smiled for photographs alongside her co-star Skarsgard, who wore a gold suit.
The film is based on the short story The Wicker Husband by Ursula Wills-Jones and also stars Game Of Thrones star Peter Dinklage and The Crown actress Elizabeth Debicki, as well as The Other Bennet Sister's Ella Bruccoleri.
Wicker is out in UK cinemas from October 30.
