Buckley, Colman shine in sharply observant period mystery
Based on a true story, Wicked Little Letters is a charming period piece that reunites the terrific actresses Jessie Buckley and Olivia Colman, both of whom played the same character at different ages in 2021’s The Lost Daughter. While they share no scenes in that film, their new movie provides a welcome vehicle for showcasing their spirited chemistry.
Written by British comedian Jonny Sweet with breezy direction by fellow Brit Thea Sharrock, Wicked Little Letters presents the 1920s version of internet trolling. The town of Littlehampton in seaside England is rocked when someone begins mailing profane, raunchy letters to town residents. The upstanding, conservative, dutiful daughter Edith (Colman) is particularly aghast to be a recipient, and has the authorities bring libel charges against her neighbor and former friend, Irish immigrant Rose (Buckley). As a free-spirited, tart-tongued single mother, Rose seems a likely suspect. But others, including Gladys (Anjana Vasan), the town’s lone female police officer, aren’t so convinced. In an incisive recurring bit that underscores the sexism of the times, Gladys is always referred to as “Woman Police Officer” Gladys Moss.
What follows is a tale that, while amusing in its execution, has an undercurrent of sadness rendering the picture more serious than its trailer might have you believe. That the film is more complex than its surface story suggests, however, is one of its strengths. Sharrock and Sweet have rather ingeniously created an engaging “whodunit” mystery that cloaks a pointed and equally absorbing commentary on the toll that repression, sexism, and psychological abuse can take. Edith’s stern, domineering father Edward (Timothy Spall) and Gladys’s commanding officer Constable Spedding (Paul Chahidi), are presented as valued, respected members of the community. As we view them through our 21st century lens, though, we quickly become infuriated by their behavior. Such contrast makes the film’s denouement–which won’t be revealed here–all the more powerful.
Colman, Buckley, and Vasan are all excellent, and a supporting cast of British acting greats (including the legendary Eileen Atkins) turn in lively performances that help the picture maintain its delicate balance between comedic puzzle and social critique. Come for the lightweight mystery and stay for the thoughtful discourse on early 20th century attitudes. You won’t be disappointed.
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Wicked Little Letters opens today in Bay Area theaters.
