If you are in the mood for a film that’s part hilarious comedy, part historical drama, and entirely uproarious, Wicked Little Letters is the ticket. Directed by Thea Sherrock (Me Before You) and penned by Johnny Sweet (Chickens), this delightfully cheeky flick spins a true tale from the 1920s that will have you laughing—and maybe even cringing—at the same time.
Set against the backdrop of a conservative English seaside town, the plot dances between the absurd and the painfully real, drawing from historian Emily Cockayne’s books, Cheeky by Jowl and Penning Poison. This is not just a simple mystery; it is a brilliantly layered narrative that showcases the societal norms of the time while highlighting the spicy, oftentimes scandalous lives and psyches of its characters.
The film introduces us to two neighbors, Edith Swan, played by the ever-enigmatic Olivia Colman, and Rose Gooding, portrayed fearlessly by Jessie Buckley. On the surface, they appear as contrasting figures—Edith, a prim churchgoer wrapped up in her card games with the local Christian ladies, and Rose, a loud and unapologetic Irish single mother. When Rose moves in with her daughter and new partner, an unexpected friendship blossoms, but not without its complications.
Source: Variety
The peace of this picturesque town shatters when a series of profane, anonymous letters flood the community, wreaking havoc among the residents. The language in these missives would make a sailor blush, and before you know it, Rose finds herself in hot water, charged with the “crime” of penning them. As the plot thickens, the letters evolve from a comical nuisance to a full-blown regional scandal that captures the attention of the local media—cue the Daily Mail and their insatiable thirst for sensationalism.
One of the film’s early standout moments occurs when Timothy Spall’s character, Edward Swan—Edith’s tyrannical father—decides to report the letters to the police. His portrayal of Edward is as mesmerizing as scary, he is the strict, moralistic, aggressive figure of the time – and reminded me of the father-priest character from Michael Haneke’s White Ribbon. They sentence their environment to silence and obedience. Theirs is a type of behavior that never goes without consequences, not even for generations to come. The imprint is there.
At its core, Wicked Little Letters is more than just a romp through a quaint town; it’s a biting commentary on gender roles, parental responsibilities, social pressure and the quest for authenticity. As the story unfolds, we witness the struggles of women who are trying to assert their independence in a society that insists on pushing them back into the kitchen. In a post-World War I world, the narrative deftly navigates themes of empowerment, self-expression, and societal expectations—questions that remain as painfully relevant today as they were a century ago.
Source: Netflix
The humor is sharp and often absurd, making for a film that is as engaging as it is thought-provoking. The witty script allows both Colman and Buckley to shine, each bringing their characters to life with a delicious blend of humor and pathos. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable. Dame Eileen Atkin’s Mabel is a real treat to watch, she brings genuine warmth, cheeky wisdom and her usual brilliance and humanity to the part.
The film also revels in its outrageousness; moments of physical comedy, like Buckley’s unexpected improvisations – such as her choice to flash her butt while on the run – blend seamlessly with the more serious undertones of the story. Unexpected, comic details and moments of situational comedy also boost the humor factor. Cinematographer Ben Davis (The Banshees of Inisherin) paints with elegant colors, texture and light in a way that would make impressionist painters start taking notes. Meanwhile, Sherrock directs every scene with confidence, playfulness and a distinct dynamic voice.
While Wicked Little Letters is not a traditional mystery, its clever use of scandal as the vehicle of kick-off hooks us immediately. The letters act as a catalyst for exploring deeper themes of identity, power, and the consequences of speaking up and speaking out.
Don’t miss out on this charming and hilariously entertaining, bold romp through a time when women were just starting to find their voices—swearing and all.
Wicked Little Letters is available on Netflix, Apple TV and more.
~ by Dora Endre ~
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