Wicked Little Letters” is a 2023 British black comedy mystery film directed by Thea Sharrock, featuring Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley in leading roles.
Synopsis
The film takes place in the 1920s seaside city of Littlehampton and revolves around one neighbor Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) who is a conservative woman and another neighbor who exhibits a stronger voice, allocant Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley). Edith and other residents start receiving anonymous profane letter and due to Rose’s temperament she also becomes a suspect. With the emergence of this controversy, which quickly becomes a national issue and goes to the courts, local women headed by Police officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan) broaden the scope of the investigation and recover some unsought truths.
Awards & Wins
As of now, “Wicked Little Letters” has garnered critical acclaim but has not secured major awards.
Cast & Crew
- Director: Thea Sharrock
- Writer: Jonny Sweet
- Main Cast:
- Olivia Colman as Edith Swan
- Jessie Buckley as Rose Gooding
- Anjana Vasan as WPC Gladys Moss
- Timothy Spall as Edward Swan
- Gemma Jones as Victoria Swan
- Joanna Scanlan as Ann
- Eileen Atkins as Mabel
- Hugh Skinner as Constable Papperwick
- Paul Chahidi as Chief Constable Spedding
- Malachi Kirby as Bill
IMDb Ratings
The film holds an IMDb rating of 7.0/10, based on approximately 34,000 user votes.
Personal Insights
In “Wicked Little Letters,” there is humor inscribed within the social criticism made on women’s limitations in the 20th century. Olivia Colman breathes life to the character of Edith, who is a woman trapped within societal structures but is eager to break free from it, captivating the audience. Jessie Buckley’s portrayal of Rose is colorful and spirited as she perfectly captures the grit of stepping out against the norms. The film has been accompanied by a funny screenplay which is complemented with a fitting set design, helping the viewers understand the gender issues present in this day and age, combined with social scrutiny.
Cultural Significance
The story is influenced by the actual Littlehampton libels, which are defined as a variety of letters which were sent to a community in the 1920s. In doing so it addresses issues such as misogyny, class discrimination and most importantly the denial of agency to women. It contextualizes how women during the period of the Suffragette faced many hurdles and in turn acts as a reminder for the persistence of gender discrimination. The filmmakers incorporate these themes in their films as they appeal to modern-day audiences looking for narratives about strong female protagonists and the realities of structural oppression.
Availability
“Wicked Little Letters” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023, and was released in UK cinemas on February 23, 2024. It became available for streaming on Netflix in the UK and the US in July 2024.
For those interested in a film that combines historical intrigue with sharp humor and poignant social insights, “Wicked Little Letters” is a noteworthy choice.