Wicked Little Letters: In Theaters
Starts Friday, March 29 in New York & Los Angeles. Everywhere April 5
Reviewed by Joy Parris-Wicked Little Letters is based on a true story, though so outlandish you might not think it is but it is. Directed by Thea Sharrock and written by Jonny Sweet it is a deliciously devilish mystery romp that will have you laughing with delight.
According to https://www.history.co.uk/ the historical basis of the film was provided by the Littlehampton letters, explored by cultural historian Emily Cockayne in two books, Cheek by Jowl: A History of Neighbours and Penning Poison: A History of Anonymous Letters. The case first appealed to Cockayne because it highlighted the problem of entwined lives that she addressed in her 2012 book on neighbor relations. The letters tap into a general circulation of bad language in these communities’ explains Cockayne. ‘Swear words were in more common usage than the period let us know’.
Get tickets at https://tickets.wickedlittleletters.com
In Wicked Little Letters: the town is turned upside down when pious and God-fearing Edith Swan(Olivia Colman) receives letters with language so vulgar and revolting that one dares not repeat the words. When another horrific missive arrives Olivia’s overbearing father Edward Swan (Timothy Spall) is beyond livid as each foul word spews from his mouth like a volcanic eruption. The family is in complete horror as they try to determine who would send such hateful letters. They point the finger at the most obvious culprit foul-mouthed neighbor Irish Immigrant Rose Gooding(Jessie Buckley). Rose is opinionated, and loud, drinks in the local pub acting more like the working-class men in the community. This scandal propels the town into a national uproar and newspapers all over the country print every salacious tidbit that the townspeople read with a voracious appetite.
Colman’s performance captures Edith’s transformation from innocence to indignation, adding depth to a story that oscillates between dark humor and heartfelt drama. Buckley brings to life a character who is opinionated, vibrant, and unapologetically herself. Rose’s strength and resilience, paired with Buckley’s dynamic performance, add a compelling layer to the film, making the audience root for her despite the odds stacked against her.
Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley are the heart and soul of “Wicked Little Letters,” lighting up the screen with their electric dynamic. Watching them go head-to-head is like witnessing a masterclass in acting. Colman, as the prim and proper Edith, and Buckley, as the spirited and outspoken Rose, bring out the best (and sometimes the worst) in each other. Their interactions are a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with moments that make you chuckle, tug at your heartstrings, and everything in between.
Image: Parisa Taghizadeh. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
Rose’s life is turned upside down when Edward marches off to the police station demanding her arrest. Going only on the word of the Swan family Rose is handcuffed and dragged off to prisoner kicking and screaming vulgar expletives which justly confirms her guilt for the Swan family and the authorities. When her young daughter Nancy(Alisha Weir ) holds on to Rose with tears of sorrow, she assures her and her mate Bill (Malachi Kirby) that she will be all right.
Arriving at the station to be booked Rose continues her tirade and insists upon her innocence of the alleged crime. Chief Constable Spedding (Paul Chahidi) refuses to listen and she is handed over to Police Officer Gladys Moss( Anjana Vasan). As Rose gets ready to face the courts Police Officer Moss begins to sense something quite fishy about the case. With the help of some spunky neighbors, and at risk of losing her job she begins an investigation of her own. And this is where I will stop, no spoiler alters for this delightful, devilish, mystery.
“Wicked Little Letters” does more than entertain; it invites us to ponder the hasty judgments we cast on those who differ from societal norms. Colman and Buckley don’t just entertain; they make you think. Through their characters’ struggles and triumphs, they touch on big ideas about who we are, how we relate to others, and what it means to stand up for ourselves. Set in the 1920s, the film cleverly comments on issues of class, social standards, and the courage it takes to stand against them. Through the lens of Rose, a working-class Irish immigrant facing prejudice, the movie challenges us to consider whether fairness can prevail in a society that values conformity over character.
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The film stars: Olivia Colman ( Edith Swan), Jessie Buckley( Rose Gooding,)Timothy Spall ( Edward Swan) Anjana Vasan (Gladys Moss), Gemma Jones (Victoria Swan ), Malachi Kirby (Bill) Hugh Skinner(Constable Papperwick), Paul Chahidi(Chief Constable Spedding), Lolly Adefope (Kate)Joanna Scanlan(Ann), Eileen Atkins( Mabel), Alisha Weir( Nancy Gooding).
