To all the sad, stinky b*tches, a scandalously Foxy A** sweary treat awaits you.
Wicked Little Letters is a delightful and scandalous treat that breathes fresh air into the English period film genre. This vulgar and hilarious whodunnit takes on a captivating narrative that revolves around the repression and false superiority faced by women in the past. The film is a perfect blend of laughter and thought-provoking themes, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
A 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a dark and absurd scandal in this riotous mystery comedy. Based on a stranger-than-fiction true story, WICKED LITTLE LETTERS follows two neighbours: deeply conservative local Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley). When Edith and her fellow residents begin to receive wicked letters full of unintentionally hilarious profanities, foul-mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. The anonymous letters prompt a national uproar, and a trial ensues. However, as the town’s women – led by Police Officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan) – begin to investigate the crime themselves, they suspect that something is amiss, and Rose may not be the culprit after all.
REVIEW
Our story begins in the seaside town of Littlehampton, where a quiet conservative Christian woman named Edith Swan (Colman) starts to receive nasty letters from an anonymous troublemaker. They’re Sweary, inelegant, and full of ridiculous innuendos, the letters have been coming for weeks, and Edith’s martinet of a father (Timothy Spall) is convinced they’re from the rowdy Irish immigrant next door.
Enter Rose Gooding (Buckley), a free-spirited newcomer to the village who makes a hell of a first impression. Rose is chatty, confident, and always up for a laugh. but as I mentioned Edward, Edith’s father thinks she’s trouble, and so too does Edith’s nervous wreck of a mother (Gemma Jones), who fears that the letters will send her to an early grave. The police are called in, and poor Rose ends up behind bars which is all seen in the trailers. “Why would I send a letter when I can just say it?” asks Rose. Why, indeed. Something smells fishy, and it falls to a singular woman police officer who has to constantly remind people about her title (Anjana Vasan’s Gladys Moss) to try and prove Rose’s innocence. However, it won’t be easy. Her stupid and misogynistic male colleagues are insufferable, and they refuse to lend a hand or listen to her in that regard which made me mad whilst watching. Henceforth, she turns to some of the quirkier villagers for help including Joanna Scanlan’s standout character. Gladys launches her own private investigation, and we discover that, before they were “enemies,” Edith and Rose were, in fact, good pals. however Edith’s miserable old man disliked Rose from the moment he laid eyes on her, but what was it that spoiled her friendship with Edith, and who’s been writing all those wicked little letters?
Wicked Little Letters is a film brimming with talent. The cast features Academy Award winner Olivia Colman and Academy Award nominee Jessie Buckley. Their on-screen chemistry as the foul-mouthed duo is nothing short of delightful. It was a blast watching both swear at each other on screen. They bring life to their characters with their impeccable acting, making the audience root for them as they navigate through a world of societal expectations and gender roles. Buckley truly is a master of every genre, portraying an outsider with a lust for life. Brilliant with drama and handy with comedy, Buckley is having a blast as a woman who could creatively swear and say whatever was on her mind. and Sharrock’s film lights up whenever she enters the frame.
It’s the exact same for Colman, who understands the complexities of a character who isn’t quite as straightforward as she appears. Her performance was more subtle as a quiet Christian who made more witty remarks. Colman has always been brilliant in her roles, and her performance in Wicked Little Letters was no exception. There is a sadness to Edith Swan, and when a small-town nuisance becomes a nationwide scandal, she seems to enjoy the attention it brings and the anger it causes her father. It helps that Colman delivers one-liners better than anyone else.
The ensemble cast is equally enjoyable, with each member contributing to the film’s overall charm. with standout performances from Joanna Scanlan, Gemma Jones, Eileen Atkins, Lolly Adefope, Timothy Spall, and Anjana Vasan. Vasan’s character adds an intriguing layer to the story, further enriching the narrative.
Wicked Little Letters was directed by Thea Sharrock, a theatre director turned film director. She’s best known for Me Before You(a film that I was delighted to be a part of). Sharrock truly brings such prestige to the film alongside Jonny Sweet’s script. Littlehampton was shown to be a picturesque English town, with the street that Edith and Rose lived on having an idyllic Beatrix Potter aesthetic. The film was shot in Worthing and Arundel. However, the picture-perfect look truly hid the fact that the Swann house was a dark home where light couldn’t pierce, and Edith and Rose had to share some facilities, including a tin bath and lavatory outside. The film’s direction is unpredictable, adding to the film’s charm and making the second half even more engaging. The cinematography captures the essence of the period setting, while the production design transports the audience to a world that feels familiar even in this day and age.
The movie’s plot is driven by a series of hilarious letters that serve as the backbone of the story. Each one is crafted to perfection, providing ample laughs which is sure to keep the audience engaged throughout. The colourful language brightens up the film alongside its physical comedy, where we see characters get hit with a toilet brush and the spade. I laughed and gasped quite a bit during the film, at the more adult material and the witty goings on. However, Wicked Little Letters transcends its comedic elements, delving into the darker themes of misogyny and repression. It showcases the lengths the protagonists go through to break free from the constraints of their time, offering a poignant message about the power of female agency. It’s ultimately the women of Littlehampton fighting against the patriarchy.
The score adds to the overall atmosphere of the film, complementing the story’s tone and enhancing the emotional impact of certain scenes. The editing and pacing are well executed, ensuring that the film maintains its momentum throughout its runtime. It’s the perfect afternoon visit to the cinema, accompanied by a cuppa after all It was a crowd-pleaser, a rather raunchy one indeed, and quaintly British in equal measure.
In conclusion, Wicked Little Letters is a devilishly wicked, delightfully funny, and heartwarming that leaves a lasting impression. It resonates with viewers on multiple levels, making it a must-watch for fans of period dramas, dark comedies, and powerful performances. The film’s ability to balance humour with deeper themes of societal injustice and gender roles is a testament to its brilliance and makes it stand out among its contemporaries.
If you would like to learn more about this shocking true story and about the real Edith Swan and Rose Gooding then click the link to find out more about the Littlehampton letters that’ll shock and surprise you as it did to the press and nation back in the 1920s.
The tale is just as intriguing and just as shocking as the film it’s based on.
https://www.findmypast.co.uk/blog/history/wicked-little-letters
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This Review was written by Liam Dearden
Liam Review's 