Cover your ears…the ribald language is shocking for a film set in 1920’s England.
“Wicked Little Letters” is a rollicking good time. The story is based on an actual criminal case that had a 1920’s English village in an uproar. Director Thea Sharrock has assembled the perfect cast.
Olivia Colman has an incredibly expressive face. She plays a devout Christian woman, Edith Swan. Her co-star played opposite her in another independent film, “The Lost Daughter” (2021). Jessie Buckley is a delight as the spirited Irish lass, Rose, who’s come to town to raise her daughter. Initially delighted to provide a good example to her neighbor, Edith tries to impress upon Rose the importance of lady-like behavior. Rose prefers the company down at the local pub to the holier-than-thou Edith.
When villagers begin receiving insulting letters full of foul language, the suspicions fall on Rose. She’s been known to curse and has been keeping company with a Black man (Malachi Kirby). Not only that, but she’s also Irish and poor. All those perceived character flaws make her a prime suspect for the poison pen letters. The local constables find ample evidence to lock her up.
Fortunately for Rose, not everyone tuns their backs on her. There’s a new woman police officer, the talented Anjana Vasan, and she’s not entirely convinced of Rose’s guilt. A few of Rose’s friends are willing to admit that she might be innocent. They’re played by some very funny British actors: Joanna Scanlan, Lolly Adefope, and Dame Eileen Atkins. The mission of a handful of disenfranchised women to free one of their own makes up the bulk of the film.
When the men were off at war, the women were forced to take up on the mantle of breadwinner. They’re the ones who kept the town afloat. Now that the men are back, many women are chafing under the return to the more subservient roles and expectations. “Wicked Little Letters” plays with that concept by presenting the male constables as bumbling bigots with little imagination, and no sympathy for Rose or her daughter.
Edith’s father is played by Timothy Spall, and his character is a piece of work. He’s not having any of those feminist ideas sully his household and he wants to keep his daughter Edith firmly in her place. His moral indignation fuels his rage. It’s great to see some well-known British actors in meaty roles. The courtroom scenes are a particular delight. The mystery of the unknown letter writer must be solved, or Rose will go to prison, lose her daughter, and be forced to do hard labor.
The film is rated “R” for the language. And what a delight that florid language is! Yes, it’s quite graphic but mostly it’s hilarious. Other than the swearing and a brief bare bottom, the film is fine for most teens to see. They may come up with some creative new swear words, however. What makes the film so enjoyable is the great performances and the chance to see a snapshot of England during a particular juncture in time. Women had few options outside of marriage and their rights were repressed. A sad echo to what’s happening in America today. Now that could make you swear…creatively.
Drinks with Films rating: 3 pints of British lager down at the local pub (out of 5)
Drinks with films 