“Wicked Little Letters” is a British comedy film based on a true story that took place in 1920s England. The story unfolds in the quaint seaside town of Littlehampton. Everything changes when residents, including the uptight Edith Swan (Olivia Colman), start receiving obscene and hilarious anonymous letters.
Suspicion immediately falls on Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley), a fiery and outspoken Irish immigrant living next door to Edith. Rose’s unconventional personality and past make her an easy target for blame. Despite facing prejudice, Rose is determined to prove her innocence. Meanwhile, the outrageous letters continue, escalating the situation further.
Unconvinced by the police investigation, a group of women led by police officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan) decide to take matters into their own hands. They become amateur sleuths, determined to unmask the real letter writer. As the investigation unfolds, an unlikely bond forms between the reserved Edith and the outspoken Rose. They must overcome their differences to solve the mystery and clear Rose’s name.
“Wicked Little Letters” blends humor with suspense. Expect witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and a dash of small-town gossip as the women navigate the investigation. The climax leads to the shocking revelation of the true culprit behind the anonymous letters.
Overall, “Wicked Little Letters” is a heartwarming and humorous story that celebrates female empowerment and the importance of standing up for what’s right. It reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and that even the most unexpected people can become heroes.
Cast of Wicked Little Letters (2023)
“Wicked Little Letters” boasts a talented cast bringing the quirky characters of the small town to life:
- Olivia Colman (Edith Swan): A uptight and proper housewife who becomes a target of the anonymous letters. Colman is a renowned British actress known for her roles in “The Favourite” (2018) and “The Crown” (2016-).
- Jessie Buckley (Rose Gooding): The outspoken Irish immigrant wrongly accused of writing the letters. Buckley has gained recognition for her performances in “Wild Rose” (2018) and “Mena” (2018).
- Anjana Vasan (PC Gladys Moss): A female police officer who joins the investigation with a more open mind. Vasan is a rising star, known for her role in the television series “Informer” (2018-2021).
- Timothy Spall (Edward Swan): Edith’s reserved husband who gets caught in the chaos of the situation. Spall is a veteran British actor with credits in films like “Harry Potter” series (2001-2011) and “Mr. Turner” (2014).
- Joanna Scanlan (Ann): A neighbor of Edith and a source of gossip in the town. Scanlan is known for her comedic roles in shows like “Puppy Love” (2019) and “Getting On” (2013-2017).
- Gemma Jones (Victoria Swan): Edith’s mother-in-law, adding another layer to the family dynamic. Jones is a familiar face from films like the “Bridget Jones’s Diary” franchise (2001-2016) and “Harry Potter” series (2001-2011).
- Lolly Adefope (Kate): Rose’s friend who provides comedic support and another perspective. Adefope is a rising British actress known for her work in the television series “Shrill” (2019-2020).
- Eileen Atkins (Mabel): An elderly resident of the town who might hold a key piece of information. Atkins is a legendary British actress with a vast filmography, including roles in “Downton Abbey” (2010-2015) and “Gosford Park” (2001).
- Hugh Skinner (Constable Papperwick): A by-the-book police officer who clashes with Gladys’ methods. Skinner is a British actor known for his roles in the television series “Fleabag” (2016-2019) and the movie “The Wicker Man” (2006).
Crew of Wicked Little Letters (2023)
- Director: Thea Sharrock: A British director known for her work on films like “Me Before You” (2016) and “The Last Chance” (2015).
- Screenplay: Jonny Sweet: Likely the sole screenwriter or part of a writing team who adapted the true story into a comedic screenplay.
I loved this film – I laughed so hard at it. There’s also a few teary moments too – so be prepared for that. And if you don’t like swearing… then be warned 😉