MELBOURNE, VIC. — Presented by Palace, this year’s festival includes a lineup of dramas, diverse and illuminating documentaries, romantic comedies and more, all screening at Palace Cinemas, Palace Nova and Luna Palace Cinemas from Wednesday, October 28.
One of the most recently talked-about films to hit the festival is the romantic comedy Wicker that weaves its way into the 2026 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival for a special Preview on Friday, October 23.
This advanced screening includes a complimentary glass of wine on arrival. Plus, receive a copy of the official Festival programme booklet and enjoy exclusive previews of major Festival highlights before the feature presentation.
Olivia Colman (The Favourite) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman) deliver wildly funny and wonderfully unexpected performances in Wicker, a fantastical and deliciously raunchy romantic comedy adapted from Ursula Wills-Jones’ acclaimed short story.
In a remote seaside village bound by tradition and small-minded convention, Fisherwoman (Colman) is relentlessly ridiculed for her single, unloved status. Fed up with her stuffy neighbours, she commissions the local Basketmaker (Peter Dinklage) to weave her the perfect husband from wicker.
When her creation arrives beyond even her wildest dreams, their unconventional romance sends shockwaves through the village. Jealousies flare, passions ignite, and the increasingly unhinged townspeople turn against the unlikely couple.
This visually sumptuous celebration of desire, individuality and finding love in the most unexpected form is brought spectacularly to life through breathtaking cinematography from Academy Award winner Lol Crawley (The Brutalist), extraordinary visual effects from Joe Dunckley (Avatar) and Wētā Workshop.
Featuring an ensemble cast that embraces every glorious absurdity, Wicker is bold, strange, romantic and deeply human.
The festival screens in Melbourne from October 28 until November 29 at The Astor Theatre, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and the Palace Church St (FKA Dendy).
