Led by the dynamic trio of Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley and Anjana Vasan, “Wicked Little Letters” was a riotous romp through the quaint streets of 1920s West Sussex. With a star-studded cast, this British comedy resurrects the infamous case of Littlehampton’s poison pen letters, plunging audiences into a world of scandal, profanity and intrigue. The movie delivers a charming blend of wit, warmth, and whimsy.
Set against the picturesque town of Littlehampton, I was thrust into the lives of three curious women whose fates intertwine amidst a flurry of scandalous letters. Through the experiences of the characters — Edith Swan (Olivia Colman), Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley), and Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan) — I was taken on an amusing journey that evoked laughter and introspection on the quirks and complexities of human nature.
At the core of the narrative lies Edith Swan, a demure lady whose tranquil existence is rudely interrupted by a barrage of insulting anonymous letters. Right next door resides Rose Gooding, her boisterous Irish neighbour whose fiery spirit and colourful language make her an easy target for suspicion. As accusations fly and tensions escalate, the stage is set for a female showdown where secrets are laid bare and loyalties are tested.
What sets “Wicked Little Letters” apart from your typical comedy fare is its source material. The film draws inspiration from a true story that captured the nation, a story that was as compelling as a Hollywood script.
What started as a feud between neighbours, Rose Gooding and Edith Swan; a seemingly harmless dispute over a communal garden, escalated into a nightmarish ordeal for Rose. She became the target of a vicious campaign of harassment orchestrated by her former friend Edith, who through a web of deceit, framed Rose for libel while leveraging biases against her. Rose, a single mother facing the scorn of judgment, found herself unjustly convicted of crimes which led to her imprisonment and separation from her children.
“Wicked Little Letters’” gripping narrative and themes of misogyny, sexism, and the constraints of gender roles in 20th-century Britain, come into sharp focus in this film.
Gender Roles and Confronting Misogyny
In “Wicked Little Letters” the subject of gender is front and centre, acting as a lens to examine the pervasive sexism and misogyny of the era. The film exposes the realities faced by many women like Rose Gooding, whose unwed status invites scrutiny and highlights the double standards and stigma surrounding female sexuality and motherhood. Rose emerges as a rebellious force challenging the status quo, embodying the spirit of female empowerment. Her refusal to conform to societal expectations of womanhood, despite facing accusations and contempt, highlighted the resilience and strength of women in the face of adversity.
In contrast, there will always be women who feel the pressure to conform. Olivia Colman’s portrayal of Edith Swan sheds light on the suffocating task placed on women to uphold societal expectations. As a single woman living with her parents, Edith is confined by the limitations imposed by her gender and social status. Her attempts to maintain an outward appearance of respectability are a reflection of the narrow confines where women of her time were expected to operate and elicit personal freedom. However, beneath Edith’s prim facade lies a simmering resentment, a reaction to the constraints placed upon her by a patriarchal society. Notably, her father Edward Swan played by Timothy Spall, wields a considerable influence over Edith’s life, dictating her actions and limiting her agency. His overbearing nature and rigid adherence to traditional gender roles reinforce the notion that women should be subservient and obedient, stifling Edith’s aspirations and autonomy. Despite Edith’s intelligence and capabilities, her father’s views cast a shadow over her livelihood, underscoring the pervasive impact of gender norms on individuals.
Anjana Vasan’s character, woman police officer Gladys Moss, has to navigate her work life in a male-dominated profession. As the first female police officer in her area, Gladys’ experience is an uphill battle. Her male colleagues consistently undermine her authority and competence, relegating her to menial tasks and refusing to take her seriously as a law enforcement officer. Their condescending attitudes and dismissive behaviour reflect a broader societal tendency to devalue women’s contributions in male-dominated spaces. Despite the obstacles she encounters, Gladys remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice, challenging the biases that pervade the justice system. Her character highlights the importance of representation, solidarity and the ongoing struggle to break down barriers for women in work. She was instrumental in uncovering the truth and adding another layer of complexity to the story.
Female Friendships and Bonds
“Wicked Little Letters” showcases the bonds that unite women in the face of inequity. The relationship between Rose Gooding and Edith Swan, in particular, serves as a focal point for exploring the dynamics of loyalty, betrayal, and forgiveness. Despite their initial bond, the rift that forms between them exposes the fragility of female friendships in a society that pits women against each other. However, it is ultimately the unwavering support of characters like police officer Gladys Moss that proves significant in challenging norms and seeking justice for Rose.
Representation & Racial Diversity
In addition to its exploration of gender dynamics, “Wicked Little Letters” also “addresses” racial representation, albeit subtly. The casting of Anjana Vasan, a British-Indian actress, in the role of Gladys Moss, is an example of the film’s adherence to diversity and inclusion. Her casting might of challenged the authenticity of identities that existed in a small town in 1920s Britain. I personally appreciated the incorporation of Black and Asian characters, as it enriched the film visually. The issue I had was how the focal point was sexism but somehow racism didn’t exist based on how it was glossed over completely. The somewhat colour-blind casting of characters including Rose’s boyfriend Bill, Post Office woman Kate and a judge, presents them as accepted regardless of their ethnicity. A colour-blind approach in dramas presents a somewhat unrealistic portrayal of racial dynamics in a historical setting. Given the prevalent racial prejudices of the period, the inclusive treatment of characters of colour felt inauthentic amidst the emphasis on male chauvinism.
Comedy Amidst Adversity
Despite the tragic and weighty source material and themes the movie tackles, “Wicked Little Letters” balances subject matter with moments of brazen humour and swearing aplenty. The film’s comedy is a tool for subversion and with all the effing and blinding, the audience is made to laugh under the subtext too. There were many moments I enjoyed the jokes, however, the sweariness did become a little repetitive lessening the shock value and LOLs at times.
Overall, I really enjoyed the film but found it wasn’t a 5-star movie for me. The 2nd act did feel slightly clumsy with things like the reveal of the culprit lacking any real suspense. Elements of the script felt like a bit of a let-down and missed opportunity for more originality and eccentricity. I was tickled at the start with the prospect of a sharp social commentary and satire, yet the tropes and predictable dialogue felt a little trite. Additionally, the erasure of any sort of racial discrimination seemed strange. No word on Policewoman Gladys’ Asian heritage was uttered. Similarly, there was an absence of anti-Irish and anti-Black bias towards Rose and boyfriend Bill. While I appreciate the diversity, it’s always more significant and crucial to acknowledge intersectionality overtly. Ignoring these aspects feels out of touch with reality and detracts from the film’s authenticity; then again it is a black-ish comedy.
Through the intersecting journeys of the three leading women, “Wicked Little Letters” explores the complexities of female identity and how women navigate and resist patriarchal structures. It celebrates the power of solidarity in challenging societal norms and effecting change. In addition to its thematic depth, the film shines with its gags and stellar performances. Colman, Buckley, and Vasan deliver standout performances that breathe life into their respective characters, infusing the narrative with heart and buoyancy.
