Wicked Little Letters (2024) Movie Review: A Darkly Humorous Tale of Scandal in a Quaint English Village
Wicked Little Letters (2024) is a dark comedy-drama that explores the peculiar true story of a series of obscene letters that scandalized a small English village in the 1920s. Directed by Thea Sharrock and written by Jonny Sweet, the film stars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley in a story that is as hilarious as it is biting, uncovering the undercurrents of prejudice and hypocrisy in a seemingly quiet town.
Plot Summary
Set in the quaint seaside village of Littlehampton, Wicked Little Letters is based on a bizarre but true scandal from the early 20th century. The film follows the lives of two neighbors, the stern Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) and the free-spirited Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley). Edith, a devout spinster living with her overbearing parents, leads a quiet life that is suddenly disrupted when she begins receiving a series of anonymous, shockingly obscene letters. These letters, filled with inventive and explicit insults, start arriving not just at Edith’s doorstep but also at those of other villagers, quickly turning the town into a hotbed of gossip and suspicion.
The primary suspect in this scandal is none other than Rose Gooding, an Irish widow with a young daughter and a scandalously carefree lifestyle. Rose, who is everything Edith is not—outspoken, unapologetic, and unconcerned with societal norms—becomes the target of the town’s ire. With her reputation on the line and facing multiple stints in jail, Rose’s situation grows increasingly dire.
However, not everyone in the village is convinced of Rose’s guilt. Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan), the only female police officer in Littlehampton, starts her own investigation. Unlike her bumbling male colleagues, Gladys suspects that there’s more to the story than meets the eye and sets out to uncover the truth behind the letters.
Performances and Direction
Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, who previously shared the screen in The Lost Daughter (2021), reunite here with equally compelling performances. Colman’s portrayal of Edith Swan is a masterclass in controlled emotion, balancing the character’s outward piety with an undercurrent of repressed desires and frustrations. Colman’s ability to convey Edith’s inner turmoil with just a glance or a slight change in expression is nothing short of remarkable.
Jessie Buckley, on the other hand, brings a vibrant energy to the role of Rose Gooding. Rose is a character full of life and defiance, unashamed of who she is despite the town’s constant scrutiny. Buckley captures Rose’s strength and vulnerability with equal finesse, making her a sympathetic figure in a town eager to see her fall.
Thea Sharrock’s direction skillfully blends comedy and drama, creating a film that is as funny as it is thought-provoking. She uses the picturesque setting of Littlehampton not just as a backdrop but as a character in its own right, reflecting the stifling nature of small-town life where everyone knows everyone else’s business. The film’s period details are meticulously crafted, from the costumes to the sets, immersing the audience in the 1920s.
Themes and Analysis
At its core, Wicked Little Letters is a commentary on the destructive power of gossip and the ease with which society can turn on an individual who doesn’t conform to its norms. The film explores how quickly a community can become a mob, driven by prejudice and a desire for scandal.
The movie also delves into the theme of female repression, with Edith Swan representing the ideal of womanhood in post-World War I England—obedient, pious, and subservient—while Rose embodies a more modern, liberated woman who refuses to be bound by societal expectations. The contrast between these two women highlights the tensions of the time, as traditional values clash with the changing roles of women in society.
The film is also a critique of institutional incompetence, particularly in the way the male police officers handle the case. Their inability to look beyond their biases and their dismissal of Gladys’s insights reflect a broader commentary on the limitations placed on women in the workplace, even when they are clearly more capable.
Where to Watch Online
As of 2024, Wicked Little Letters is available to stream on several platforms, making it accessible to a wide audience. For those with a subscription, the movie is available on Hulu, which acquired the streaming rights shortly after its theatrical release. This platform provides a convenient way for viewers in the United States to enjoy the film from the comfort of their homes.
Additionally, Wicked Little Letters is available for rental or purchase on major streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu. These platforms offer the film in various formats, including HD and 4K, allowing viewers to experience the film’s rich visual and thematic details in the best quality available. Rental prices typically range from $4.99 to $6.99, while purchase options are available for $14.99 to $19.99.
For those interested in bonus content, such as behind-the-scenes footage or interviews with the cast and crew, Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video often include these extras with the purchase of the film. This additional content provides valuable insights into the making of the movie and its historical context.
Conclusion
Wicked Little Letters is a delightfully dark comedy that manages to be both entertaining and insightful. With stellar performances from Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, and sharp direction from Thea Sharrock, the film offers a witty exploration of small-town dynamics, societal norms, and the often-overlooked role of women in history. The story, rooted in a real-life scandal, serves as a reminder of the dangers of conformity and the courage it takes to stand against the tide.
Whether you’re in the mood for a clever mystery, a character-driven drama, or a biting social commentary, Wicked Little Letters delivers on all fronts. With its availability on multiple streaming platforms, it’s easier than ever to dive into this peculiar and fascinating tale. Don’t miss the chance to witness this quirky slice of English history brought to life with humor and heart.
